Shadowy figures, arms deals and allegations of corruption all feature in the thriller-like story behind the prosecution of former president Jacob Zuma, which begins in Durban on Friday. One of the tale’s most intriguing characters is Ajay Sooklal, formerly a lawyer for French defence manufacturer Thales who was at the heart of the weapons sale that has landed Zuma in court. The former president is accused of taking bribes worth more than R4m to favour Thales, which has been indicted alongside Zuma and will also appear in court. Sooklal followed the high-level diplomatic manoeuvring, political pressure and backroom deals made over the six years in which the deal was being negotiated and delivered. He says he has now decided to speak out ahead of Friday’s hearing — the start of Zuma’s long courtroom battle to stay out of jail. Beside a swimming pool at a hotel in Pretoria, Sooklal told AFP how he was contacted in September 2003 by Pierre Moynot, a director at Thint, a South African af...
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