Former South African President Jacob Zuma Seeks Further Delay in Corruption Trials
South African ex-president Jacob Zuma, who was jailed earlier this month triggered some of the worst unrest of the post-apartheid era, appeared by video link in court on Monday to seek a further delay in his arms deal corruption trial.
Gathogo Wanjiru 
While the government has largely restored order in the streets, there are fears that Zuma's latest court appearance could again trigger protests from his support base.
Efforts to prosecute the former president for allegedly receiving kickbacks over a $2 billion weapons deal in the late 1990s are seen as a test of South Africa's ability to hold powerful politicians to account.
The former President has pleaded not guilty to charges including corruption, fraud, and money laundering. He has cast himself as the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt in his attempts to evade prosecution over more than a decade.
Wearing a dark suit and red tie, Zuma said nothing while his lawyer Dali Mpofu argued that the trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court should be postponed for Zuma to appear in person as opposed to virtually.
Mpofu said Zuma had not been able to properly consult his legal team after handing himself over in the early hours of July 8 to start a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
