Thales files application to have charges dropped

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will vigorously oppose the application filed by French arms trader Thales to have its charges dropped in the corruption case involving former president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma and Thales face charges of corruption, fraud and racketeering. Zuma is alleged to have received 783 suspicious payments to the tune of R1.2 million from his financial advisor, Shabir Shaik.

THALES FILES APPLICATION TO HAVE CHARGES DROPPED IN ARMS DEAL CASE

On Thursday, 6 February, Newzroom Afrika reported that in its application, the French company cited lengthy delays that have resulted in ”irremediable infringement of its constitutional rights to a fair trial”, specifically the right to adduce and challenge evidence. In addition, tw of its key witnesses have since died.

NPA spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed Thales’ application.

“The NPA will vigorously argue in opposition of the application as we believe it has no merit and stands to be dismissed,” Mhaga said.

The South African previously reported that Zuma and Thales were first charged in 2005, but the case was later struck from the roll. In 2007, it was reinstated, but in 2009, the NPA withdrew the charges.

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) overturned that decision, and in 2018, the case was reinstated again. The trial officially got underway in May 2021 when Zuma pleaded not guilty.

In March 2024 Zuma lost his court bid to have state prosecutor advocate Billy Downer removed from his corruption trial.

Zuma had argued that involving Downer in the matter would infringe his right to a fair trial.

The presiding judge said he was not convinced that Downer’s status as lead prosecutor on the case would prejudice Zuma and violate his right to a fair trial.

Following delays in the pre-trial hearing, the trial is set to start in April this year. Both Jacob Zuma and Thales pleaded not guilty.