South African ex-leader Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial resumes online without support crowd
- Zuma, 79, faces 16 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering
- The ex-leader has retained a fervent support base within the ruling African National Congress party and among the general public

Jacob Zuma returned to court on Monday for the resumption of a long-running corruption trial, testifying from jail as proceedings unfolded online in a bid to avert more of the deadly unrest that swept South Africa after the former president was sentenced in a separate case.
Security forces threw a cordon around the High Court in the southeastern city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of Zuma’s home region of KwaZulu-Natal, where loyalists have previously gathered in rowdy shows of support.
The measures were later eased to allow street access after the area was deserted.
Zuma, 79, faces 16 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering related to the 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and equipment from five European arms firms when he was deputy president.
He is accused of taking bribes from one of the firms, French defence giant Thales, which has been charged with corruption and money laundering.
The trial started in May after numerous postponements and delays, as Zuma’s legal team battled to have the charges dropped.

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South Africa riots death toll hits 72 as ex-president Jacob Zuma starts jail term
An emotionless Zuma made a virtual appearance from prison in the nearby town of Estcourt, sitting on a black office chair in a white-walled room, clad in a black suit, white shirt and red tie.