Zuma is accused of receiving an annual bribe of R500,000 from French arms dealer Thales for protection from an investigation into the controversial arms deal.
The matter will be argued on July 19, as both parties exchange heads of arguments.
Zuma, according to his harshly appointed legal doyen in the form Advocate Dali Mpofu, is a plea to move to put an end to the prosecution, having accused National Prosecuting Authority’s lead prosecutor Adv Billy Downer, of being biased, compromised and not impartial.
Mpofu told the court Zuma believed his right to a fair trial would be jeopardised because Downer was not impartial.
Responding to Judge Piet Koen, Zuma said he is not guilty on litany of charges presented before him.
Thales legal representatives also declared not guilty to charges.
On the other hand, NPA has appointed a team of top advocates namely Wim Trengove, Andrew Breitenbach, Hephzibah Rajah and Ncumisa Mayosi to argue against Zuma’s special plea bid to remove Downer from the case.
Meanwhile, the hearing saw ANC top figures such as suspended SG- Ace Magasuhle, NW former premier, who is also facing disciplinary charges Supra Mahumapelo and disgruntled Carl Niehaus.
Former finance minister Malusi Gigaba and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala were also in support, so were fans who sang and danced as “Msholozi” addressed them from the erected stage.
Image (Legal doyen Dali Mpofu made a surprise appearance as Zuma’s legal representative. He’s seen along SC Thabani Masuku in Court today).
