Jacob Zuma concourt minority

Former South African President Jacob Zuma. Photo by Themba Hadebe / POOL / AFP

Watch live: Jacob Zuma to learn his fate in corruption case [video]

Looks like Jacob Zuma and his lawyers will be taking a deep breath on Friday: They’re about to learn if the former president will face a criminal trial.

Jacob Zuma concourt minority

Former South African President Jacob Zuma. Photo by Themba Hadebe / POOL / AFP

Are you sitting on the edge of your seat? We’re expecting a major decision in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday morning, as Jacob Zuma will learn whether his application for a stay of prosecution in long-running corruption case has been approved or not.

What does it mean if Jacob Zuma gets a stay of prosectution?

The stakes couldn’t be higher: If Zuma fails in his bid for a permanent stay of prosecution, he will be due back in criminal court next week. The allegations against him are incredibly serious, and relate to a widespread network of corruption he created in relation to an illegal arms deal with a French company.

If, on the other hand, the former president is awarded a permanent stay of prosecution, the state has no further recourse in the matter and criminal proceedings – which have lasted almost 14 years – will be indefinitely halted. It would essentially see Jacob Zuma dodge any sort of accountability for the fiasco.

What we can expect

We’re expecting the judgement to come at 9:30, shortly after proceedings begin. If the Justices feel Zuma has a case to answer to, all parties must return to court on Tuesday 15 October. But guess what? The defence team are allowed to seek a postponement if they have a viable reason. Here we go again…

Proceedings came to a dramatic halt in May, just a day after Zuma’s legal team submitted new evidence which threatened to change the course of the trial: A letter – allegedly showing former President Thabo Mbeki and Justice Minister Maduna conspiring to influence the NPA to prosecute Zuma – has somewhat changed the landscape.

The three judges who will decide on Zuma’s future and potential freedom have been deliberating all of the evidence over the past five months. Claims of NPA interference, should they be found substantial, may swing the case in favour of the 77-year-old.

Watch live: Jacob Zuma stay of prosecution decision for corruption trial

  • Proceedings will begin at 9:30