Zuma’s corruption case to be heard virtually today, as judges receive threats

The jailed former South African President Jacob Zuma’s corruption case is set to be heard virtually today, despite his lawyers’ application seeking it to be heard physically.

As reported by News24, a security threat circulated on social media against judges and the courts may be one of the reasons that Jacob Zuma’s corruption case will be heard on a virtual platform on Monday.

Zuma’s lawyers had approached the High Court saying if the matter is to be heard virtually, it would mean his rights would have been violated, but the court rubbished it.

The National Prosecuting Authority trashed points of arguments by Zuma’s lawyers that the jailed ex-president’s fair trial rights will be undermined if his attempt for a “special plea” graft acquittal is debated virtually.

Zuma will appear before Pietermaritzburg High Court where he faces 16 charges of fraud, corruption, and racketeering related to the 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats, and military gear from five European arms firms when he was deputy president.

The 79-year-old is accused of taking bribes from one of the firms, French defense giant Thales, which has been charged with corruption and money laundering.

The trial began in May but has faced several postponements and delays as Zuma’s legal team sought to have charges dropped.