Jacob Zuma is up against 18 criminal charges, ranging from corruption and fraud to money laundering, over claims that he received over 700 illicit payments linked to a 1999 weapons contract. He firmly denies the allegations, arguing that the case is a politically driven “witch hunt.”
The corruption case has stretched on for almost two decades, frequently delayed by appeals and legal moves from both Zuma and Thales. Prosecutors told Justice Nkosinathi Chili that these legal tactics have pushed the matter back for 18 years, noting that multiple previous attempts to stop the trial have been thrown out.
Zuma’s lawyers continue to question the neutrality of lead prosecutor Billy Downer, while maintaining that the deaths of two key Thales officials have made it harder for them to build a solid defense.
His legal issues do not end there. In 2021, Zuma was sent to prison for contempt after refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission, though he later secured early release through a commuted sentence.
He is also contesting a court decision that demands he refund $1.6 million in state-funded legal costs spent on his corruption defense. Zuma is appealing the ruling, insisting he should not be held responsible.
