Former South African President Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales appeared in court on Thursday as they seek to have a decades-old corruption case against them dismissed.
Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018 and played a key role in the country’s liberation struggle, is accused of corruption linked to an arms deal dating back to 1999.
Charges Against Zuma and Thales
Zuma faces 18 charges, including corruption, fraud, and money laundering. The case involves 783 alleged illegal payments from Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF) and businessman Schabir Shaik.
Zuma has denied all charges, calling the case a politically motivated “witch hunt.” He is currently trying to have the charges dropped after pleading not guilty.
Years of Delays
The trial has been delayed for nearly 20 years due to repeated legal challenges from Zuma’s team. Zuma and Thales have filed multiple appeals, which the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says have stalled the case.
Prosecutor Wim Trengove told the court: “Mr. Zuma has over the years run eight different applications, and Thales has been part of four. They have delayed the hearing for more than 18 years. All these applications have been dismissed.”
Additional delays arose when Zuma’s lawyers questioned the impartiality of lead prosecutor Billy Downer. Zuma’s ill health has also slowed proceedings. His defense argues that without testimony from two key Thales executives, who have since passed away, a proper defense is impossible.
Zuma’s Legal Battles and Recent Rulings
Zuma has faced multiple legal challenges in recent years. In 2021, the Constitutional Court sentenced him to 15 months in prison for refusing to appear before the Zondo Commission, which investigated corruption during his presidency. He was later released on medical parole, which was declared unlawful, and returned to prison before being released again after his sentence was commuted.
In October 2025, Zuma was ordered to repay $1.6 million (R28.9 million) in legal fees that were unlawfully covered by the state. The Gauteng High Court also ruled that he must pay interest on the amount. Zuma is currently appealing this decision.