Zuma drops appeals, clearing way for long-awaited arms deal trial

South Africa – Former president Jacob Zuma and French defence company Thales have abandoned further appeals against a court ruling allowing their long-delayed arms deal corruption trial to proceed, clearing the way for proceedings to begin on 1 February 2027.

According to The Citizen, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that neither Zuma nor Thales had applied for leave to appeal Judge Nkosinathi Chili’s 14 May 2026 judgment.

“In the result, the trial court’s order that the trial will commence on 1 February 2027 is now final. The State is ready to proceed,” Kganyago said.

The decision marks a significant development in a case that has been delayed for more than two decades. As reported by eNCA, Zuma and Thales were indicted in 2005 over allegations linked to the controversial 1999 arms procurement deal, with the trial originally expected to begin in 2006.

‘Stalingrad strategy’

In May, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled that the proceedings should continue despite outstanding legal challenges. Judge Chili warned that allowing further delays could undermine the administration of justice.

“It would amount to a grave injustice” if the court failed to intervene to prevent further delays, Eyewitness News reported, summarising the court’s reasoning.

The prosecution has repeatedly accused Zuma of using a so-called “Stalingrad strategy” through successive legal challenges to prevent the case from reaching trial. Lead prosecutor Billy Downer previously argued that the litigation was intended “to avoid ever standing trial”, according to The Citizen.

However, Zuma’s foundation previously described Judge Chili’s ruling as erroneous, arguing that the court had misdirected itself on the facts and the law and that the former president’s constitutional rights had been undermined.

Full hearing

Zuma and Thales face charges including corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering arising from the arms deal. The state alleges that Zuma received corrupt payments through his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, in connection with the procurement arrangements. Both accused parties have denied the charges.

With no further appeals lodged against the May ruling, prosecutors say they are ready to proceed.

The February 2027 trial will bring the case closer to a full hearing after years of legal disputes over whether the prosecution should continue.