Strong evidence in SA graft case

Shaik (centre) was not an impressive witness, the judge said

A South African judge has said there is "overwhelming evidence" of corruption against the financial adviser of Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

Judge Hilary Squires was reading out his 165-page judgement, in a case which could determine whether Mr Zuma remains a frontrunner to lead South Africa.

However, his voice cracking under the strain, he adjourned the hearing until Thursday without delivering a verdict.

South Africa has been gripped by the seven-month trial of Schabir Shaik.

Analysts say that if he is found guilty, it will raise questions about Mr Zuma's conduct.

Charges

On Wednesday morning, the judge said that Mr Shaik had not been an impressive witness.

"When one scrutinizes his replies to questions, no other conclusion can be reached except that he had no coherent answers," he said.

• One charge concerns what the prosecution calls a "generally corrupt" relationship between Mr Shaik and Mr Zuma.

• A further charge concerns allegations that Mr Shaik solicited a bribe of R500,000 ($90,000) from French arms company Thomson CSF on behalf of the deputy president, in order to facilitate the company's dealings in South Africa.

• The fraud charge - which has no major political implications - involves the financial management of Mr Shaik's Nkobi group of companies.

Fascination

The reading of the judgement is being broadcast live on television.

Zuma is one of the favourites to succeed President Mbeki

Mr Zuma is the favourite within the ruling African National Congress to succeed President Thabo Mbeki, and retains strong support among key sectors of the party.

The Shaik trial stems from an investigation headed by the then chief prosecutor, Bulelani Ngcuka, who said in 2003 that while there was prima facie evidence against Mr Zuma, he would not press charges against him since he was not sure that there was "a winnable case".

Mr Zuma angrily condemned his "trial by media" and said he had been denied the chance to clear his name in court.