Jacob Zuma, former president of South Africa, is to be arraigned in court on Friday over a $2.5 billion arms deal, which saw one person being jailed in 2005. Claims are that Zuma through his former financial adviser Schabir Shaikh demanded bribes from a French arms company in the 1990s deal. The charges against Zuma were dropped when he won the presidency in 2009, but reinstated after he was forced to step down in 2018.
Meanwhile, thousands of Zuma’s supporters have vowed to march on the Durban High Court on Friday.
Reuters reported that religious organisations and pro-Zuma lobby groups plan a night vigil on Thursday, before marching on the court the next day. They are alleging witch hunt.
“Could it be that Zuma is targeted because he has always been on the side of the poor,” the Commission for Religious Affairs said. “Could it be that Zuma is targeted because he preferred free education for the poor?”
Also, Police have warned marchers not to break the law, as any one who does so will be arrested.
“We are to make sure citizens are safe,” said Thembeka Mbhele the police spokeswoman.
“I want to appeal to the marchers to make sure they work hand-in-hand with the police. If anyone commits a crime, they will be arrested.”
