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Former President Jacob Zuma enters the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, January 31, 2022.
French arms company Thales and former president Jacob Zuma are today to apply for leave to appeal the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s dismissal of their application to be acquitted on all charges in the arms deal corruption case.
The application was brought due to the death of two key Thales figures in the case – former directors Pierre Moynot and Alain Thetard.
Defence lawyers have argued that they won’t be able to mount a meaningful defence without the evidence of the two men.
Judge Nkosinathi Chili has ruled in June that the court can’t stop a prosecution – that power lies with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
In weighing up Thales and Zuma’s arguments, Judge Chili says society’s interest in such a high profile case also needs to be taken into account.
He adds that it is speculative to say at this stage that no other witness will be able to assist the defence.
Since the June ruling, the state has lodged an application that Judge Chili order the trial to proceed despite any further appeals or applications.
Lead prosecutor – Advocate Billy Downer – says in papers several unsuccessful applications by Zuma has delayed the prosecution of the case by 18 years.
VIDEO | Thales and Zuma’s bid for leave to appeal
