Further delay in South Africa ex-President Zuma corruption trial

Corruption case relating to $2bn arms deal adjourned until May 26 as defence raises concerns over the lead prosecutor.

A corruption case against former South African President Jacob Zuma and French company Thales related to a $2bn arms deal was adjourned on Monday to May 26, and the defence lawyer said Zuma would plead not guilty when the hearing finally starts. The trial of Zuma, 79, had been expected to begin on Monday but was delayed again after his newly appointed defence team raised concerns over the lead prosecutor and said it might seek his recusal from the case. Zuma’s defence lawyer Thabani Masuku told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that a plea of not guilty would be entered when the court next hears the case on May 26.