Zuma: I've never been afraid
2008-08-04 22:42
Pietermaritzburg - South Africa's ruling party chief Jacob Zuma was cheered by thousands of supporters on Monday as he left court on graft charges that could end his shot at becoming president next year.
Crowds that had gathered opposite the courthouse earlier in the day when the 66-year-old ANC leader entered the dock for his trial screamed a hero's welcome as he walked toward a stage outside.
After a full day of hearings inside the courthouse related to Zuma's argument that the charges should be declared unlawful, the case was adjourned until Tuesday morning.
"In my life I have never been afraid of anything," Zuma told the crowd, speaking in Zulu.
"Those who know me will know that I am not a coward. I have never been afraid of anything ... I was willing to die for this country and I am prepared to die for it."
Led the crowd in song
After speaking for about 10 minutes, Zuma danced and led the crowd in singing his signature tune Awulethe Umshini Wami ("Bring Me My Machine-Gun"). He promised to speak longer following his court appearance on Tuesday.
Supporters, including some dressed in military fatigues, had spent the day dancing and singing while denouncing the charges against Zuma as a political vendetta.
Protesters had vowed to shut down the sleepy city of Pietermaritzburg, where the trial of the politician is being held.
Zuma has sought to have the case against him thrown out, making it likely the long-awaited trial will be further delayed.
"Where is the justice?" Zuma lawyer Kemp J Kemp said during the hearing, arguing the case should be dismissed as prosecutors did not follow constitutional rules when deciding to charge Zuma.
It is the second time the state has attempted to prosecute Zuma for corruption. A judge struck the prosecutors' last bid off in 2006, declaring their case against the populist leader was a disaster.
"We believe he is being persecuted more than prosecuted," ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte told AFP.
'We'll still vote for him'
"Even if he is in jail, we will vote for him," said Lindo Khumalo, 25, a supporter from Pietermaritzburg wielding a fake machine gun.
Zuma's lawyers want the case declared unlawful, and if this is not successful will bring an application for a permanent stay of prosecution, arguing that repeated delays render a fair trial impossible.
Zuma is facing a total of 16 charges ranging from money-laundering to racketeering, brought against him as a result of a seven-year investigation.
The main charge against him is that he allegedly received bribes for protecting French arms company Thint in an investigation into a controversial arms deal.