Judge Chris Nicholson ordered on Monday that the criminal case against French arms manufacturing giant Thint be postponed until December 8 *1.

The postponement was announced shortly after the Pietermaritzburg High Court had adjourned for a tea break.

State prosecutor Billy Downer said agreement had been reached between the state and Thint's legal team. Details of the agreement were not immediately disclosed in court.

"The case against accused two and three is postponed to Monday, 8th December, on conditions set out in an agreement [reached in chambers]," said Nicholson.

He released Thint chief executive Pierre Moynot from attending the court proceedings.

Thint is facing charges of fraud and corruption alongside African National Congress president Jacob Zuma - -who has launched an application to have the decision to prosecute him declared unlawful.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.