NPA appeal gets under way

2008-11-28 11:04

Bloemfontein - The National Prosecuting Authority's appeal to overturn a judgment that ANC president Jacob Zuma was unlawfully charged, started in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Zuma made a low key arrival to the sound of a single siren, which went unnoticed by supporters gathered at Hertzog Square opposite the court building.

Dressed in a navy blue suit and tie, Zuma smiled as photographers rushed to get a picture of him before the hearing started at 09:45

Surrounded by bodyguards, Zuma commented on the large number of journalists gathered to see him before walking up the steps and disappearing into the court building.

Supporters

Supporters started arriving in buses shortly after both legal teams arrived at the court.

Moments later, Zuma entered Court One, was greeted by his legal team and took his seat next to his attorney Michael Hulley.

Bloemfontein residents seemed oblivious to the magnitude of the case that will be heard by five judges and which involves the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), former president Thabo Mbeki and ANC president Zuma.

Judge Louis Harmse, who is leading the hearing and who arrived at court early in the morning, ordered that everyone be seated by 09:45 and that no journalists be allowed to move in and out of the courtroom after 09:30.

ANC national spokesperson Carl Niehaus, the ANC's Free State leader Ace Magashule as well as several other senior provincial figures were in the public gallery.

The street in front of the court was closed off and policemen were deployed in and around the court building.

Advocate Wim Trengove was expected to deliver argument for the State, while Advocate Kemp J Kemp would argue Zuma's case. Advocate Marumo Moerane was expected to deliver argument for Mbeki.

- SAPA