JACOB ZUMA APPEARS IN COURT ALL SMILES TO FACE CORRUPTION CHARGES

Former South African president, Jacob Zuma, has appeared in court today to face corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal.

Wearing a dark suit, a smiling Mr Zuma waved to crowds of supporters and reporters as he mounted the steps of the High Court in Durban shortly before 0700 GMT today. 

The 75-year-old, whose scandal-plagued nine years in office were marked by economic stagnation and credit downgrades, faces 16 charges including fraud, racketeering and money laundering. 

Jacob Zuma was forced to resign in February 2018. Today in court, Mr Zuma denied any wrongdoing and challenged the decision to prosecute the case, a dramatic development on a continent where political leaders are rarely held to account for their actions before the law.

The speed with which prosecutors booked his day in court is a sign of the loss of control Mr Zuma has suffered since his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, became head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in December.

 Jacob Zuma is the same man Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha built a humongous statue to honour. According to reports, the statue cost the Imo state government N520m to erect.

However, Mr Zuma still retains some popular support, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the case is being heard.

Heavily armed police in riot gear lined the square outside the court, as thousands of Mr Zuma’s supporters gathered to express solidarity with a leader they say is the victim of a politically motivated witchhunt. Press play to watch the video below:

Lots of fanfare as pro-Jacob Zuma supporters make their way to court in support of the former president. #ZumaChargespic.twitter.com/dDy2TkW2Zm

— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) April 6, 2018

Court chants ‘Zuma Zuma’ as Former President enters court @ANN7tv#ZumaCharges pic.twitter.com/RtmEPTr9nD

— Phathisa Mfuyo (@thisamfuyo) April 6, 2018