Experts doubt Zuma trial will proceed on schedule

ANC President Jacob Zuma

Constitutional expert Willem Heath says he cannot see ANC President Jacob Zuma and arms manufacturer Thint's corruption case going ahead as scheduled in August. He says the Constitutional Court has yet to rule on Zuma's appeal about the seizure of documents from his homes and his lawyers' offices.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is also seeking original documents from Mauritius. Heath says he does not think the case will go ahead unless the pending matters have been resolved. Another political analyst, Professor Adam Habib, has warned that any delay in the Jacob Zuma trial would present a political dilemma for both the ANC and the country for next year's elections.

Commenting on the confusion around the trial date, Habib said it was imperative for Zuma to have his day in court timeously and that the trial should not be seen to be unduly delayed.

Meanwhile, the NPA says it is willing to listen to the concerns of Zuma and Thint. Zuma and Thint lawyers have expressed their concerns about the court date, citing the pending appeal to the Constitutional Court about the search and seizure of certain documents in Zuma's homes and his lawyers’ offices. NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali says they will meet with Zuma and Thint lawyers on Thursday.