|
 DURBAN, South Africa (AP) - South Africa's dismissed deputy president, cheered by thousands of supporters and surrounded by blocks of tight security, was indicted Saturday on corruption charges involving his financial adviser and two French arms companies.
Jacob Zuma, who retains huge support among the rank and file of the African National Congress, made his third court appearance in a scandal that has divided the governing party and thrown open the question of who will succeed President Thabo Mbeki. He has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and made clear he still has his sights on the presidency.
The former freedom fighter with no formal education will go on trial July 31. The trial, the most politically explosive in post-apartheid South Africa, is scheduled to last until mid-November.
|