Mauritian AG requests more time for Zuma case

The Mauritian Attorney-General has asked for more time to prepare his documentation in ANC President Jacob Zuma's court battle. Valayden wants to counter Zuma's attempt to prevent Mauritius from handing documentation seized in 2001 over to South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Valayden was expected to hand his answering affidavit to the Mauritian Supreme Court today, after Zuma filed his first affidavits last month. Michael Hulley, Zuma's lawyer, says they have received notice that the Mauritian Attorney-General will now file on March 24.

The 13 seized documents the NPA wants allegedly include evidence of French arms manufacturer Thint agreeing to pay Zuma R500 000 per year in exchange for protection from an arms deal inquiry.

Zuma will also launch a Constitutional Court application next week to try to prevent the NPA from getting the documents - while at the same time applying to appeal against the search and seizure operation in 2005 at his, Hulley's and Thint's offices in South Africa.