By South Africa’s former president, Jacob Zuma, has pleaded not guilty on a corruption case dating back over two decades.
The 79-year-old faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand.
Zuma — who at the time was President Thabo Mbeki’s deputy — is accused of accepting bribes totaling four million rand.
The ex-president’s plea concludes years of delay in the long-awaited trial, which many South Africans say will deliver the verdict of history on his turbulent presidency.
Zuma was elected President of the African National Congress (ANC) on 18 December 2007 after defeating Mbeki.
The ex-president led the ANC to victory in the 2009 general election and was elected President of South Africa.
