He says that, following Zuma's recent loss in the Constitutional Court case, the state had indicated that the trial should start on 7 November. Zuma's lawyers subsequently filed another application for appeal at the apex court.Judge Piet Koen arrives and the Zuma matter resumes. Advocate Dali Mpofu SC is not here this morning and Zuma is being represented by Advocate Sifiso Buthelezi. As the Jacob Zuma arms deal trial gets under way this morning, there is no hive of activity.
Only the former president's legal team and Jacob Zuma foundation's spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi and Zuma's political spokesperson Vukile Mathabela represented Zuma. Even the crowds that usually gather outside court are nowhere to be seen this morning with a little police presence outside the precinct.Former President Jacob Zuma is not expected to attend this morning's hearing of his long-running Arms Deal corruption trial - where his lawyers are expected to argue that the case against him should be postponed until March or April next year.
What a breath of fresh air listening to Downer. No metaphors or wise cracks, no insults or sophistry. Dali Mpofu should listen carefully. He might learn a thing or two. That's how a professional conducts himself in court.
How long has this been dragging on?