/ 14 August 2008

Zuma, NPA fail to agree on court dates

The legal teams of Jacob Zuma and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have failed to agree on future court dates, the NPA said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Tlali Tlali said the two camps will now meet in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday to discuss the matter before Judge Chris Nicholson.

”The parties could not find each other, regrettably. The court will have to decide on the dates.”

The two legal teams, along with that of Zuma’s co-accused, Thint, are expected to be heard by Judge Nicholson over the date for Zuma’s application for a stay of prosecution, as well as a trial date.

The African National Congress president faces a charge of racketeering, four charges of corruption, a charge of money laundering and 12 charges of fraud related to the government’s arms deal.

Zuma was charged in 2005 but that case was struck from the role in 2006. He was re-charged in December 2007.

The two Thint companies — Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd and Thint (Pty) Ltd — are the South African subsidiaries of French arms-manufacturing giant, Thales International (formerly Thomson-CFS).

They each face a charge of racketeering and two counts of corruption.

Earlier this month, Nicholson heard Zuma’s application to have the decision to charge him declared unlawful.

His ruling on the matter is expected to be heard on September 12. — Sapa