Zuma fails in attempts to dodge S African graft case

Bloomberg

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption, racketeering and money-laundering charges dating back to the 1990s, appeared in court after failing in repeated attempts to avoid standing trial.
Zuma has argued that the case is politically motivated, but the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in 2017 that a 2009 decision not to pursue the charges was “irrational” and other courts dismissed his bid to have it scrapped. The High Court in the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg held a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday to discuss how the case should proceed. Judge Kate Pillay adjourned the matter until September 8 when a trial date is likely to be set.
The prosecution is a boon
for Zuma’s successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, who is under pressure to follow through on a pledge to tackle the corruption that became pervasive during Zuma’s almost nine-year rule.
Prosecutors spent eight years investigating allegations that Zuma, 78, took 4.07 million rand in bribes from arms dealers, including Thales SA.