Former South African President Jacob Zuma and the French defence conglomerate Thales have appeared in court once more, seeking to have a protracted corruption case against them thrown out. The hearing, which took place on Thursday 4 December 2025, marks the latest chapter in a legal saga that has spanned nearly two decades.
The Core Charges and Zuma's Defence
Jacob Zuma, who led South Africa from 2008 to 2018, faces 18 charges including corruption, fraud, and money laundering. The allegations stem from a 1999 arms transaction and centre on 783 purported illegal payments he received from Thales and businessman Schabir Shaik. Zuma has consistently pleaded not guilty, dismissing the prosecution as a politically motivated "witch hunt."
His co-accused, Thales, is similarly implicated in the case. Both parties are now appealing for a permanent stay of prosecution, arguing they cannot receive a fair trial.
A History of Persistent Delays
The case has been characterised by extensive postponements and legal manoeuvres over its 18-year history. Advocate Trengrove, representing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), argued in court that the defence strategy has been deliberately dilatory.
"Our problem is that this strategy has delayed the case for 18 years," Trengrove stated. "Mr. Zuma has over the years run 8 different interlocutory applications and Thales has been part of four. They have between them delayed the hearing for more than 18 years, all those applications have been dismissed."
Further complications have arisen from challenges to the impartiality of lead prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer, Zuma's periods of ill health, and the deaths of two key Thales witnesses, former directors Pierre Moynot and Alain Thetard.
Zuma's Broader Legal Troubles
This corruption case is not Zuma's only recent legal entanglement. On 29 June 2021, the South African Constitutional Court found him in contempt for refusing to testify before the Zondo commission, sentencing him to 15 months in prison. He began that sentence in July 2021 but was later released on medical parole, which was subsequently ruled unlawful.
In a separate financial blow, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ordered Zuma in October 2025 to repay $1.6 million (R28.9 million) in state-funded legal fees for his personal defence, plus interest. Zuma is appealing this judgment, claiming he is not liable for the costs.
The current appeal hearing before Judge Nkosinathi Emmanuel Chili continues, as the NPA seeks to prevent further delays and finally bring the long-running case to trial.
