Thint not in court before August: lawyer

Jacob Zuma's two co-accused -- the two South African subsidiaries of French arms manufacturer, Thales International -- are not making any plans to go to court before the August date set by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Ajay Sooklal, the attorney representing Thint Holding (Southern Africa) Pty Ltd, and Thint (Pty) Ltd said today that there were no plans to go to court before August 4.

On December 27, the NPA lodged an indictment in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. ANC President Jacob Zuma faces 16 charges in total -- one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one count of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud.

The two Thint companies each face a charge of racketeering, money laundering and two counts of corruption.

"We will meet them (the NPA) on August 4," said Sooklal. Asked if Thint would possibly be seeking a permanent stay of prosecution, Sooklal said: “I'm not going to run this trial through the media."

Zuma's lawyer Michael Hulley said shortly after the indictment was filed that Zuma planned to apply for a permanent stay of prosecution based on the belief that his right to a free trial had been infringed.

The corruption, racketeering and money laundering charges relate to an alleged R500 000 a year bribe secured for Zuma from Thint by convicted Durban businessman Schabir Shaik. Most of the fraud charges relate to Zuma's alleged failure to disclose benefits received from Shaik to Parliament and to the South African Revenue Services. - Sapa