Durban : The state filed papers in the high court here yesterday relating to its attempt to obtain documents from Mauritius said to be linked to allegations of corruption against deputy ANC president Jacob Zuma.

The papers had been served on Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thint on Friday.

Zuma and Thint are opposing the state's attempts to obtain the documents, which apparently pertain to meetings between Zuma, Thint and convicted Durban businessman Schabir Shaik.

In December, the National Prosecuting Authority asked the court to issue a letter of request to the Mauritian attorney-general under the International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Act.

Lawyers for Zuma and Thint filed papers last month opposing the application. The NPA was to have filed its response by Friday.

The matter is to be argued in the Pietermaritzburg High Court from March 22 to 25.

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Cape Times.