Ex-Deputy President Jacob Zuma has been released on bail until October after appearing in court on corruption charges.

The court heard that Mr Shaik bribed french arms company, Thint Holdings, in order to pay Mr Zuma money in return for government contracts.

Mr Zuma lost his position in office after President Thabo Mbeki dismissed him following accusations of being involved in a corruption scandal with his former financial advisor.

Mr Zuma was released on a R 1,000 ($150) bail until the trial resumes on 11th October after the prosecution announced it needed more time to research information for their case.

The bail was also granted on the condition that witnesses “are not to be interfered with directly or indirectly.” The judge has permitted the former Deputy Chief travel outside South Africa until the case resumes.

Conspiracy Theory

Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in prison, after being convicted of corruption and fraud.

Mr Zuma, who was once tipped to become the next president of South Africa has an extremely strong following as a leading figure in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party.

He denies any charges of corruption, fraud, and wrongdoing and insists he has become the target of a political conspiracy to destroy his career.

His involvement with financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, who he had known since P.A. Botha’s apartheid system, involved bribing a major French arms manufacturer.

Mr Shaik was sentenced to 15-years in prison earlier on this month, charged with corruption and fraud.

President Mbeki’s stance against corruption in South Africa has been seen as a major step forward for his government.

Many feel his decision shows his serious committment to wiping out corruption ahead of next month’s G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland.

The President has now appointed South Africa’s first female deputy president, Mrs Phumzlie Mlambo-Ngchuka, a former school teacher and Mineral and Energy Affairs Minister.

Robin Sprott, Black Britain, June 30, 2005