South Africa: Heightened security likely for key decision in the trial of the former president in Pietermaritzburg, Oct. 19 /update 1

Event

Officials will likely increase security around the Pietermaritzburg High Court in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Oct. 19, as the corruption trial involving former President Jacob Zuma continues. The Judge is set to decide whether the trial will continue or be postponed. Further trial dates are possible through 2022 and early 2023.

Police could close roads around the court, including portions of Church Street, Symons Street, Pietermaritz Street, and Otto Street. Protests in support of Zuma may occur at or near the court building. Security personnel will likely seek to contain or disperse any protests that materialize.

Context

Zuma is facing several corruption-related charges linked to the 1999 arms deal. He was first indicted in 2005; however, various judicial and political developments have led to a delay in the conclusion of the matter.

He is currently appearing in another court case in Pietermaritzburg, facing prosecutor advocate Billy Downer and News24 legal specialist journalist Karyn Maughan, for allegedly leaking private information about the corruption trial. Zuma's team will likely request the court delay the corruption case against him until the second case is settled.

Zuma was president of South Africa 2009-2018. In March 2018, one month after being replaced as president, he appeared in court for the first time. Zuma was found guilty of contempt of court in a separate matter and jailed in mid-2021. His incarceration sparked widespread civil unrest in KZN and Gauteng provinces July 9-18 of that year, leaving over 300 people dead and causing significant economic damage. There is a possibility that any further judgments against Zuma could spark a repeat of the 2021 unrest.

Zuma's legal action has also enflamed tensions between rival factions of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, one supportive of current President Cyril Ramaphosa and another supportive of Zuma. The conflict has been evident during various ANC provincial elective conferences in recent months and is likely to escalate during the December national elective conference when new national leadership will be elected.

Advice

Exercise caution near the court building Oct. 19. Avoid all protests. Plan for ground travel delays in the vicinity. Heed the instructions of local officials.