The Mauritian Attorney-General has asked for more time to prepare his documentation in ANC president Jacob Zuma's court battle, the SABC reported yesterday.

Rama Valayden wants to counter Zuma's attempt to prevent Mauritius from handing documentation seized in 2001 over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

These documents allegedly include a diary with minutes of a meeting between Zuma, Schabir Shaik and Thint (a French arms manufacturer) where it was agreed that Zuma would pocket a bribe of R500 000 per year in exchange for his political influence and protection from an arms deal inquiry.

Michael Hulley, Zuma's lawyer, said they had received notice that the Mauritian AG would now file on March 24.

With acknowledgements to The Saturday Independent.