Several roads have been closed to the public around a Pietermaritzburg court as the corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma resumes on Monday.

Jacob Zuma faces multiple charges of fraud, racketeering and money-laundering relating to 1990s arms deal with a French company. He says the charges are a witch-hunt by political rivals.

In July 2021, violent protests which were initiated by the Zulu nation broke out in parts of South Africa after Jacob Zuma was arrested in a separate case. Numerous legal challenges have caused long delays and postponements in this highly anticipated trial. On Monday, Jacob Zuma’s lawyers will respond to the prosecution’s affidavit, which seeks to introduce new evidence.

He has also applied to have the supreme court reconsider appeals rejected in March that sought the removal of the lead prosecutor citing bias.  Jacob Zuma Denies the charges and also intends to proceed with a private prosecution of the lead prosecutor.