zuma The South African former Deputy President, Mr. Jacob Zuma is set to face trial over corruption charges though his lawyers are seeking to have the case withdrawn. At the same time state prosecutors are expected to file a plea for postponement until February next year.



Already Mr. Zuma has been acquitted on a charge of rape earlier this year.



While his financial adviser, Mr. Schabir Shaik, was found guilty of corruption, Mr. Zuma has denied any wrongdoing and hinted at a political conspiracy to discredit him. He was sacked from the government more than a year ago.



The judge said there had been a generally corrupt relationship between Mr. Zuma and Mr. Shaik . Mr. Zuma now faces two charges of corruption himself.



The case has taken a long time to come to court and the prosecution team is still not ready. It is trying to gather further evidence and is awaiting the outcome of the appeals which could affect the trial of this case.



Lawyers for Mr. Zuma and his co-accused-an arms company called Thint- are expected to argue that the delays so far have been unreasonable and therefore the charges should be dropped.



It is clear that Mr. Zuma has not given up his presidential ambitions despite the damage to his reputation because of the corruption charges and the rape trial.



Mr. Zuma’s case reminds one of the situation prevailing in India. Here also any leader, regardless of the party he or she belongs to, will always allege vendetta no sooner than when they are faced with charges and subsequent trial in any case. Mr. Zuma has also suggested a political conspiracy to discredit him because he still harbours ambitions of becoming the president. It is very likely that his countrymen will never come to know the truth. As it is there has been an inordinate delay by the state prosecutors to file charges against him and now they want time till February next to gather more evidence. Whether the case will ever see the light of the day remains the million dollar question. But if the judicial process is subverted, in his case, as happens in many countries around the world, it will be just another instance of the apathy and indifference of the people who are more engrossed with making two ends meet rather than bringing theircorrupt leaders to book.



Via : BBC