Top witness in Jacob Zuma, Thales corruption trial dies
The main witness and author of the forensic report in the
arms deal trial against former president Jacob Zuma and French arms company,
Thales, has reportedly died.
Auditor, Johan van der Walt, died in Johannesburg on
Saturday, according to media reports.
While it was unclear what caused his death, News24 reported
on Sunday that sources close to Van der Walt’s family said he had died of
natural causes.
Described as a “bloodhound” auditor, Van der Walt is said to
have consulted with state prosecutors about his appearance at the arms deal
trial.
Prior to joining FTI Consulting in 2017 as a senior managing
director, Van der Walt worked for KPMG as a partner and forensic auditor. He
authored the report into the money flows between Zuma and his former financial
advisor Schabir Shaik.
Shaik was found guilty of fraud and corruption in June 2005,
and Van der Walt was the State’s chief witness in his trial.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday set down the arms
deal trial to 9 and 10 September following an application by Zuma’s legal team
to postpone the case due to his admission in hospital.
The high court was expected to hear Zuma’s special plea for
the recusal of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor, Billy
Downer.
Zuma faces 16 counts including fraud‚ corruption, money
laundering and racketeering, while Thales – which allegedly bribed him – faces
four counts.
The NPA has lined up 217 witnesses to testify in the trial.
Medical report
The postponement came after Zuma’s counsel, advocate Dali
Mpofu, as well as advocate Wim Trengove, who is representing the NPA and
Downer, agreed to have the trial postponed.
Mpofu informed Judge Piet Koen the state and defence were in
agreement that the trial should be postponed to September for an open court
hearing.
Koen, however, indicated that Zuma’s doctors would be
required to testify and face cross-examination in court.
A medical report would also be required from the former
president’s legal team, which must be provided to the state by 20 August.
The judge also ruled that the state is allowed to appoint a
doctor to examine Zuma and ascertain his fitness to stand trial.
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