Zuma trial: cops out in full force

2008-08-04 07:47

Pietermaritzburg - The police were out in full force at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday where ruling party leader Jacob Zuma will appear in a bid to have the decision to prosecute him declared unlawful.

"We've got every available person on the ground. There are no major disruptions. I see the taxis are also running," police spokesperson Superintendent Henry Budhram said.

The street outside the court was bustling with pedestrians on their way to work on a chilly morning while journalists were swarming around officials to get accreditation tags.

Members of the Special Task Force had been deployed to keep a close eye over the thousands of Zuma supporters expected to gather at the court.

Music was playing from where some 1 000 people held a night vigil in support of the president of the African National Congress. A stage had been set up for him to address the crowds later.

Television camera crews were conducting early morning interviews, preparing for the court case where Zuma will face several charges including corruption and fraud.

Judge Chris Nicholson will hear an application by Zuma to have the decision to prosecute him declared unlawful.

Zuma argued in court papers that the National Prosecuting Authority did not follow the correct legal procedures when it decided to prosecute him in 2005, just after his financial advisor Schabir Shaik was convicted of corruption.

- SAPA