Arms deal: Thales and Zuma acquittal applications dismissed
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed the application for acquittal by former president Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales in the decades-long arms deal corruption case.
The Witness reports that Judge Nkosinathi Chili also ruled that the court doesn't have authority to withdraw charges, adding that 'it would be incompetent for the court to grant the relief (permanent stay of prosecution) sought'.
He said the state has the exclusive right to stop prosecution.
Chili reserved his decision in April after hearing arguments from both parties. Zuma and Thales were seeking a permanent stay of prosecution, claiming that unreasonable delays had prejudiced their right to a fair trial.
Thales argued that the deaths of two key witnesses — former company directors Pierre Moynot and Alain Thétard — had crippled its defence. Both men were central to the events surrounding the allegations and were the only Thales directors based in South Africa at the time of the deal.
According to court papers, Thales became aware in late 2021 that Moynot had died on January 18, 2021, and that Thétard had died in Germany on September 7, 2022 — although confirmation was only received in 2024.
Zuma joined Thales' application, arguing that the state's case against him is 'symbiotically conjoined' with that of Thales. His lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, said the deaths of Moynot and Thétard also weaken Zuma's ability to challenge the evidence against him — particularly in relation to the controversial 'encrypted fax' at the heart of the allegations.
In his ruling, Chili said he was not persuaded that Thales and Zuma would suffer irreparable prejudice or that their rights to a fair trial would be compromised if the matter proceeds.
Mpofu said it was likely that Zuma would file an application for leave to appeal the ruling, which must be done by June 24.
Zuma is accused of accepting bribes from Thales during his tenure as deputy president in the late 1990s. These payments were allegedly facilitated by his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was convicted of corruption in 2005.
Chili agreed with National Prosecuting Authority Advocate Andrew Breitenbach, that the full extent of any potential prejudice could only be assessed once evidence is led at trial.
The judge had previously dismissed Zuma's bid to remove lead prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer, as well as a subsequent application for leave to appeal that decision.
Mpofu said today that Zuma has since filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Appeal to challenge Judge Chili's ruling.
The matter has been adjourned to December 4.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on witness.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
33 minutes ago
- The South African
Elephant overpopulation prompts culling plan in Zimbabwe
Overpopulation threatens the ecosystem at one of Zimbabwe's largest private game reserves, prompting Zimbabwean wildlife authorities to announce plans to cull up to 50 elephants. ADVERTISEMENT The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) confirmed the plan this week, saying it is a response to unsustainable elephant numbers at Save Valley Conservancy. Zimbabwe to Cull Dozens of Elephants ZimParks said it had granted permits for what it described as an 'elephant management exercise.' According to the agency, Save Valley currently hosts around 2 550 elephants, more than three times its ecological carrying capacity of 800. 'The management quota is meant to address the growing elephant population in the region and will initially target 50 elephants,' ZimParks said. Over the past years, the conservancy has relocated about 200 elephants to other parts of the country in an attempt to ease pressure on local habitats. However, with the numbers continuing to rise, authorities believe the decision will protect the broader ecosystem. How will the communities benefit? As part of the controversial exercise, authorities will distribute the meat from the culled elephants to nearby communities. The government will keep the ivory from the carcasses, and ZimParks will store it. ADVERTISEMENT Zimbabwe is currently barred from selling its ivory due to a global ban on the trade of elephant tusks. Mixed reactions to the decision The move may be welcomed by some residents who will benefit from the meat. However, it is likely to attract criticism from conservation groups and animal rights advocates. Some have taken to social media to express their views about the development. Here is how they have reacted: @CWitvrouwen: 'Justice for Elephants, Justice for People: Rethinking Conservation in Zimbabwe…This isn't just flawed policy—it's a symptom of a broken, unjust system.' @Mike4liberty: 'I suppose if people care enough, they could donate money to fund the relocation of some of them.' ADVERTISEMENT @sluggish477951: 'What solution would you give when you have too many elephants that you can't keep and feed ? Culling is a solution, something people with too many animals would do.' Do you think culling elephants is a necessary conservation tool? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Warning: 6 armed and dangerous CIT robbers at large in Pretoria
A manhunt is underway in Pretoria after six heavily armed suspects escaped following a violent cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery. Pretoria Rekord reports that police are urging the public to remain alert as officers intensify efforts to track down the dangerous fugitives, who are considered armed and volatile. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, police arrested five suspects, aged between 35 and 50, soon after they allegedly committed a CIT robbery in Ekangala, Tshwane, yesterday. 'Police recovered one of the getaway cars and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. Police are on the lookout for more than six other suspects.' He says it is reported that the suspects used a BMW to ram the CIT van. 'The suspects then bombed the van and took [an] undisclosed amount of cash before speeding off in different cars. The police from Gauteng Highway Patrol responded swiftly and spotted two of the getaway cars, a silver Mercedes-Benz and silver Mazda CX3.' Masondo says a high-speed chase ensued. 'While on the N12 highway, the suspects started shooting at the police and [the] police returned fire. One of the getaway cars was chased until the driver lost control and the suspects jumped out of the car and ran into the mielie field while shooting at the police.' Police were joined by private security officers, and the search continued until five suspects were arrested. 'Inside the getaway car, police found scores of ammunition.' He says a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are out on bail after committing CIT robberies in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. 'The search is underway for the suspects who escaped. Those who were arrested are expected to appear [in court] on Monday, facing charges that include CIT robbery, attempted murder and possession of ammunition.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
DNA results confirm the murder of Pretoria journalist
The South African Police Service has confirmed that the remains found in Rust De Winter last month, are of journalist, Aserie Ndlovu and his partner. Ndlovu and his girlfriend went missing on 18 February 2025. The bodies analysed for DNA were discovered by SAPS on 8 May 2025. 'The SAPS can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to that of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli', said national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe. Mathe said the remains found were analysed and matched against samples taken from biological relatives of both Ndlovu and Mdhluli. SAPS has notified both families of the positive DNA match. The families have also been told that the results confirm that the remains found are of the missing couple. Mathe said the police were pleased to assist both families in finding closure. While the families come to terms with this new development, the case of the suspected killers of Ndlovu and Mdhluli continues before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court. Seven suspects were arrested on 4 May 2025, over two months since the couple had been missing. The seven were charged with kidnapping, house robbery and possession of stolen property. Last month, a cross province operation involving Gauteng and Mpumalanga police led SAPS to the seven suspects. They were questioned and subsequently arrested. 'The first suspect who is arrested, is according to investigations, the last to be in the company of the missing couple', said Mathe. 'The second, third and fourth suspects that have been arrested were found with different vehicle parts believed to be that of the missing journalist', she continued. Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has previously attributed the police successfully apprehending the suspects, to public participation. 'The social media community must also be appreciated for sharing the pictures of these suspects far and wide. Together, we can do more with the cooperation of communities in fighting crime and apprehending dangerous criminals ', said Masemola. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT SOCIAL MEDIA PLAYS A ROLE IN SOLVING CRIME? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
