Judge Nkosinathi Chili has ordered former president Jacob Zuma's long-delayed corruption trial over the 1999 arms deal to begin on 1 February 2027. The ruling rejects further postponements despite pending appeals by Zuma and French firm Thales.
Judge Nkosinathi Chili of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg handed down the order on Thursday. He described repeated legal challenges by Zuma and Thales as a Stalingrad defence tactic that has stalled proceedings for years.
Zuma and Thales face charges of corruption, racketeering, money laundering and fraud. Prosecutors allege Zuma received R4.1 million from his former adviser Schabir Shaik between 1995 and 2004 to advance Thales interests.
Chili stated that the court must consider the interests of society alongside those of the accused. He dismissed applications to drop the charges and noted the constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Zuma has instructed his legal team to seek leave to appeal the ruling. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the decision as a precedent against delay tactics.
