Appearing before a judge at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa to answer for 16 charges of fraud, money laundering, and racketeering related to an arms deal worth $2.5 billion to acquire European military artillery to beef up post-apartheid South African armed forces.

In a rare case of accountability of an African leader upon leaving office, Jacob Zuma is being charged for actions before ascending to the highest office of the Rainbow Nation and the judge adjourned it to November 30.

Zuma’s defense lawyer, Mike Hellens requested for a permanent stay to be filed, allowing his legal team to build a proper defense against the charges.

With the next appointment set for November 30, Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo is certain the former leader’s legal team will have adequate time to prepare.

Jacob Zuma who was ousted by the ruling ANC party in February has denied any wrongdoing to all charges.

Neba Benson,

BaretaNews Foreign Correspondent/Analyst