Ruling party leader Jacob Zuma lashed out at the media in an address to his supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday.

Zuma, who will know on September 12 whether the court will scrap a graft case against him, spoke to his supporters mainly in isiZulu after Judge Chris Nicholson adjourned the hearing.

He criticised the media for accusing him of using delaying tactics in the case that started as early as 2003. 'it's bad when people say opinions as if they are stating facts'

"I can't discuss the case but... it's bad when people say opinions as if they are stating facts,
especially when it's people who are trusted by the society - that whatever they say is true," Zuma said to loud cheering.

"It was said eight years ago that, 'Zuma must get his day in court'... now that has been changed, they say I'm the one who asked to be taken to court.

"The media is writing non-stop that Zuma is just delaying this case... how can I be accused of delaying tactics?" asked Zuma.

The African National Congress president, who was introduced to the crowd by a primary school boy acting as praise singer and dressed in traditional Zulu clothing, has been to several courts to block the case against him.

Last week, the Constitutional Court ruled against him when he contested the lawfulness of search and seizure operations by the state.

"Even there [at the Constitutional Court], one of the ten judges agreed with the Durban one that the search was unlawful," Zuma said.

"Now I don't know where the issue of 'delaying the case comes from... because I'm following procedure. I have a problem with that statement because I'm exercising my Constitutional rights - but I'm accused of delaying tactics.

"Please, I must not be intimidated when I'm exercising my rights... If I'm not guilty, then I have to protect myself."

Zuma said he was being tried by newspapers and television stations.

"Why would one judge before the court does? It is a pity sometimes that I don't get the chance to respond to everything that's being said about me."

He thanked his supporters and promised to be a loyal leader.

"Thank you for your support... you are the people who are protecting our democracy, I know now that no matter what happens, you will protect your country.

"I love you all and I will always listen to what you say. When you ask me to do something, I won't argue, I'll do exactly that," said Zuma.

After his address, he sang his trademark song "umshini wami [bring me my machine gun]".

ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, who was introduced as "Julius the blockbuster Malema", also spoke to the crowd, repeating his calls for an early general election to oust President Thabo Mbeki.

"Our president [Zuma] is the target of a political conspiracy led by the state president [Mbeki]... on many occasions our president [Mbeki] failed to intervene, he fired him [Zuma] as deputy president... he found him guilty before the court could do so.

"We need an early election so that Zuma can be the president of the country.

"[Constitutional Court Judge President] Pius Langa and his friends will never have Zuma. If you want to touch him, you must touch us first.

"On the last day of this nonsense, we will take Zuma to the Union Buildings," said Malema.

Young Communist League national secretary Buti Manamela said: "The youth of this country know what they must do and they will do it if Jacob Zuma faces jail."

After the speeches, a scuffle broke out between a photographer and some protesters burning a picture of Mbeki.

The protesters pushed him away in an attempt to prevent him from taking a picture and the police had to intervene. Nobody was hurt.

Zuma, 66, faces a charge of racketeering, four charges of corruption, a charge of money laundering and 12 charges of fraud related to a multi-billion rand government arms deal.

If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years.

The court heard arguments on Monday and Tuesday in a bid by Zuma to have the decision to prosecute him declared unlawful. - Sapa

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.