Former President, Jacob Zuma. Image: Central News
(The Post News) – French arms company Thales and former president Jacob Zuma were back in the Pietermaritzburg High Court today. They sought leave to appeal the dismissal of their bid.
They want to be acquitted of all charges in the long-running arms deal corruption case. The hearing is a two-day session, presided over by Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Nkosinathi Chili.
The court adjourned to allow for arguments on the application for leave to appeal. Proceedings are expected to continue tomorrow.
Zuma and Thales Return to Court
The two parties are charged with multiple counts of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. These charges are linked to the controversial 1999 Arms Deal. This procurement program has haunted the country’s political landscape for more than two decades.
In June 2025, Judge Chili of the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed their application to have the charges dropped. The defence argued that it was impossible for the company to mount a fair defence. This claim was due to the deaths of two former Thales directors—Pierre Moynot and Alain Thétard.
Both men were considered central figures with intimate knowledge of the alleged bribery and contractual arrangements. However, Judge Chili ruled that the court did not have the authority to halt a prosecution. He emphasised that such decisions rest with the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA].
In his judgment, Chili underscored that society’s interest in prosecuting corruption outweighs the difficulties faced by the defence.
Implications Against Corruption.
The arms deal case has become emblematic of South Africa’s broader struggle with corruption and accountability. Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the charges as politically motivated.
Thales, meanwhile, has tried to distance itself from the scandal. It argues that a fair trial is impossible without the testimony of its deceased executives.
The NPA has countered these arguments, insisting that sufficient documentary evidence and witness testimony remain to sustain the prosecution. Prosecutors have accused Zuma and Thales of employing “Stalingrad tactics.” This term describes repeated legal maneuvers aimed at delaying proceedings.
R28.9 million in legal fees
Zuma has lost his bid for leave to appeal the court order that he must personally repay R28.9 million in state-funded legal fees.
Gauteng High Court Judge Anthony Millar issued the original order in October 2025. He dismissed Zuma’s application for leave to appeal on today.
Judge Millar stated he was not persuaded. He believed another court, like a full bench, would not reach a different conclusion. He also thought the Supreme Court of Appeal would arrive at the same decision. He criticised the ongoing appeals as a drain on judicial resources. He stated they are destructive to the notion that all are equal before the law.
Millar reiterated the previous judgments from the High Court (2018). The Supreme Court of Appeal (2021) also made it clear. These judgments confirmed that Zuma was the personal beneficiary of the unlawful funding. Therefore, he is liable for repayment.
The dismissal of the appeal application means the initial order to repay the money within 60 days, plus interest, stands.
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