...By Solomon Thomas for TDPel Media.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma is set to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where his fraud and corruption trial with French arms company Thales will continue.
New Judge Takes the Reins
Judge Piet Koen, who had been presiding over the case, recused himself in January.
Judge Nkosinathi Chili is expected to take over the case.
Zuma Seeks to Remove Lead Prosecutor
Zuma has initiated private prosecution against National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor Billy Downer and News24 journalist Karyn Maughan, alleging that Downer leaked confidential medical information to Maughan.
Zuma wants Downer, who is the lead prosecutor, to be removed from the case.
Charges Related to Multi-Billion Dollar Arms Deal
The trial centers around charges related to the 1999 arms deal worth billions of dollars, in which Zuma and Thales are implicated.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Zuma highlight the challenges of combating corruption and holding public officials accountable.
As the trial continues, the outcome will be closely watched by many in South Africa and around the world.
