Bernadette Wicks16 May 2024 | 11:30

Jacob Zuma's arms deal corruption trial scheduled to kick off in April 2025

The case in which Zuma and French arms dealer Thales face a string of graft charges related to a $2 billion deal dating back to the late 90’s came briefly before the High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

Jacob Zuma's arms deal corruption trial scheduled to kick off in April 2025

FILE: Former President Jacob Zuma. Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Former President Jacob Zuma’s arms deal corruption trial is now set to kick off next April.

The case in which Zuma and French arms dealer, Thales, face a string of graft charges related to a $2 billion deal dating back to the late 90s came briefly before the High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

This for a pre-trial conference.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, said that a trial date had now finally been set:

"The NPA is relieved that finally a trial date has been set and reserved by the Judge President on 14 April 2025, during the second and third term of the Pietermaritzburg High Court."

In the interim, the case will also return to court on 29 August for another pre-trial conference.

"We are hoping that there would be no hurdles that the NPA would have to navigate as part of the delaying tactics on the part of Mr Zuma. We are hoping all preliminary issues will be ironed out by the 29th of August, which is the date set for pre-trial conference."