More than 15 000 ANC supporters are expected to attend a vigil tonight in support of party president Jacob Zuma who is due to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court tomorrow.

Zuma's lawyers will be asking the court for a permanent stay of prosecution on the fraud, corruption, racketeering and money laundering charges he faces.

ANC provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu said yesterday that even though they had made preparations for 15 000 people they were expecting a larger turnout at the vigil as this court case was likely to be the last involving Zuma before the elections.

Mchunu said the ANC had been provided with a perfect opportunity and platform to campaign and they would do just that.

"We expect Pietermaritzburg to come to a standstill," he said.

Mchunu said they had organised 500 marshals to control the crowds. Security and logistical arrangements had been made with police and metro police officers.

Meanwhile Pietermaritzburg police have stepped up security in the city to ensure that there is no violence.

Senior Superintendent Henry Budhram said strict measures had been put in place.

"The SAPS will endeavour to ensure that normal activities proceed unhindered outside the immediate vicinity of the Pietermaritzburg High Court and we urge the public to support the measures put in place during this period," he said.

Budhram said there would be road closures which would, however, be monitored as the day progressed.

Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Alliance Eugene Hadebe said its members would also attend the vigil to show support for Zuma.

However, he gave an assurance that there would be public transport tomorrow.

Cosatu provincial secretary Zet Luzipho said its members would also be at the vigil.

"From the beginning we have always supported Zuma and we will continue to do so." he said.

With acknowledgements to Cape Argus.