Some legal experts say there will be further delays in former President Jacob Zuma’s corruption case although the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it’s ready to proceed with the trial.
They say the decision of Zuma’s legal representatives, attorney Eric Mabuza and Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, to notify the High Court in Pietermaritzburg that they will no longer represent him may provide the former president with grounds to seek a delay in the trial.
The NPA remains ready to start the corruption trial on May 17.
The notice was filed three weeks before the trial date.
The NPA has released a statement saying it acknowledges receipt of correspondence from Mabuza Attorneys.
Mabuza Attorneys filed a notice of withdrawal with the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday. No reasons have been given.
This comes after a three-year process to bring the case to trial.
Zuma and French arms company Thales are facing charges in connection with South Africa’s multi-billion rand arms deal in 1999.
The Supreme Court of Appeals recently ruled that the state is not liable for Zuma’s legal bill.
Last month, Zuma’s corruption case was heard in court:
In January, Thales application to challenge racketeering charges was dismissed:
