Corruption trial of former South African president starts
ABC News
The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma has started more than 25 years after some of the alleged offenses
JOHANNESBURG -- The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma began Wednesday more than 25 years after some of his alleged offenses. Zuma, who was president from 2009 until he was forced out in 2018 amid multiple graft scandals, pleaded not guilty to corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering at Pietermaritzburg High Court. Among the charges, Zuma is accused of taking bribes from French company Thales to ensure that South Africa signed a multi-billion dollar arms deal with the company in 1999. Zuma was deputy president of South Africa from 1999 until 2005 when he was fired from that role amid allegations of corruption. Thales, also accused in the trial, pleaded not guilty to racketeering and money laundering.
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