Graft trial resumes for South Africa's jailed ex-president

The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma has resumed more than a week after his imprisonment for contempt of court in a separate case set off rioting

JOHANNESBURG -- The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma resumed Monday, more than a week after his imprisonment for contempt of court in a separate case set off rioting in parts of the country. Zuma is accused of receiving bribes from the French arms manufacturer Thales related to the country’s controversial 1999 arms procurement contracts. The trial is taking place virtually, but Zuma’s lawyers may seek to postpone the proceedings so he can appear physically in court. The former president's imprisonment earlier this month triggered protests that escalated into widespread unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma's home province, and in Gauteng, the province that includes Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Zuma's supporters forced the closure of strategic highways and rioters ransacked malls and shopping centers in poor areas. In KwaZulu-Natal warehouses and factories were looted and then burned by arsonists. At least 212 people died in the rioting, many of them crushed during chaotic rampages in shops. More than 2,500 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism. Order was restored following the deployment of 2,500 army troops to assist police.