FORMER South African President Jacob Zuma will now face trial on long-standing corruption charges after the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed his latest legal attempt to have the case thrown out.
Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales are both accused of corruption, racketeering, and money laundering linked to South Africa’s controversial 1999 multibillion-rand arms deal.
The pair sought to have the charges scrapped, arguing that the deaths of two key witnesses would make a fair trial impossible. Thales claimed its right to cross-examination had been compromised, while Zuma’s legal team argued that the absence of these witnesses violated his right to due process.
Judge rules court has no power to dismiss
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Judge Nkosinathi Chili said the court lacked the authority to withdraw the charges at this stage and found no basis to prevent the trial from proceeding.
‘There is no justification for the court to grant the order sought by Mr Zuma. The application by both Thales and Mr Zuma are dismissed,’ Chili said during proceedings, which were broadcast live by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The ruling clears the way for Zuma — now leader of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party — to stand trial after more than two decades of delays, court battles, and procedural challenges.
Arms deal case returns to spotlight
The charges stem from Zuma’s tenure as deputy president, when he allegedly accepted bribes from Thales in exchange for political protection during the awarding of lucrative defence contracts. Zuma has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains the case is part of a political witch-hunt.
Despite multiple previous attempts to have the charges dismissed, the National Prosecuting Authority has pushed ahead, arguing there is sufficient evidence to proceed.
Political stakes rising
The court’s decision comes just weeks after South Africa’s 2025 general elections, where Zuma’s MK party contested seats amid ongoing legal controversy. The ruling could affect both Zuma’s public image and the trajectory of his political career.
Legal experts expect trial proceedings to begin later this year unless further appeals are lodged.
Zuma, who previously served time in prison for contempt of court in a separate matter, now faces one of the most consequential trials in South Africa’s democratic history.
