The much-awaited arraignment of former South African President, Jacob Zuma, began today, with the deposed president facing 16 corruption charges in a Durban High Court.
The charges are in connection with a multi-million Dollar arms deal transacted in the 1990s.
Some of the charges include racketeering and money laundering, as 783 questionable payments were allegedly made. Zuma denies the charges.
Support for Zuma, an erstwhile strongman of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has been positive as, there was a mild drama within the vicinity of the court, as thousands showed up for his first hearing. Most of them wore wraps and T-shirts that bore Zuma’s image, having been warned not to wear ANC colours.
Experienced advocate Billy Downer leads the prosecution against Zuma, even as legal experts say the trial could take years if it goes ahead.
Taxpayers are paying the bill as one of South Africa’s topmost legal team’s works on Zuma’s defence.
The court adjourned proceedings, after today’s preliminary hearing, to June 8, 2018.
Photo Credit: AFP
