Zuma To Appeal Court Ruling Ordering Arms Deal Corruption Trial To Begin 

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Pietermaritzburg – The JG Zuma Foundation says former president Jacob Zuma will appeal the judgment of Judge Nkosinathi Chili ordering that his corruption trial begin on 1 February 2027, regardless of pending appeals.

Earlier today, Thursday, 14 May 2026, Judge Chili handed down his judgment in the Pietermartsburg High Court that stated that the trial must begin without further delay.

RELATED: No More Delays: Former President Zuma, Thales, To Go On Trial For Corruption – The Bulrushes

The long-running corruption case against Zuma and French arms company Thales stems from the controversial 1999 Arms Deal.

Zuma faces several charges, including corruption, racketeering, money laundering, and multiple counts of fraud.

Responding to the judgment, the JG Zuma Foundation issued a statement in which it “confirms that president Zuma has given firm instructions to his legal team to institute an application for leave to appeal against the judgment of Judge Chili delivered earlier today”.

The statement added: “The judgment is totally erroneous and constitutes multiple and gross misdirections of fact and law.

“The prospects of having the judgment reversed and overturned on appeal to a higher court.”

The JG Zuma Foundation said it cannot be that a single judge can willy-nilly erase or rewrite the Constitution of South Africa, which guarantees several substantive and procedural rights to all accused persons.

“We cannot have one law for all accused persons and another law for Zuma.

“It is time to put a stop to the growing phenomenon known as ‘Zuma Law’.

“As we speak, two appeals are pending before the Supreme Court: one dealing with the recusal of the current prosecutor and the other dealing with the application by Thales for acquittal based on the deaths of key witnesses.”

The JG Zuma Foundation asked how a trial can start before those questions have been decided.

“For example, which prosecutor will run the case?” the JG Zuma Foundation asked.

“Can the High Court pre-empt the decision of the SCA or the Constitutional Court?

“These are key and unprecedented issues that are raised by this incorrect and disturbingly shocking judgment of the Honourable Judge Chili.”

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