Jacob Zuma and Thales Will Face Trial in 2027

The corruption trial is scheduled to begin on 1 February 2027 after legal challenges were exhausted.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Financial Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a monolithic judicial building facade, symbolizing the gravity of institutional legal proceedings. — Former President Jacob Zuma and French firm Thales are set to stand trial on February 1, 2027, following years of legal delays. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jacob Zuma and Thales will face trial on 1 February 2027 following the conclusion of appeals regarding their racketeering, fraud, and corruption charges. The KwaZulu-Natal High Court ruling permitting the proceedings to continue remains final after the defendants failed to file further challenges.

Why it matters

The trial will finally proceed after the defendants exhausted legal avenues to challenge a May 2026 High Court ruling. This development marks a major milestone in a case that has spanned more than two decades, ensuring the corruption charges will be adjudicated in the interests of justice.

Jacob Zuma and Thales face charges of racketeering, fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Following their 2021 not guilty pleas, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court ruled in May 2026 that the trial could proceed.

The players

Jacob Zuma

He is a former President of South Africa who is facing long-standing criminal charges.

Thales

It is a French multinational company that provides systems and equipment for the aerospace, defence, and security sectors.

Nkosinathi Chili

He is the presiding judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court who ordered the case to proceed.

The details

Judge Nkosinathi Chili ordered the case to move forward to ensure the interests of justice are served. The decision follows the failure of the defendants to file applications for leave to appeal the earlier High Court ruling in Pietermaritzburg.

2021: Zuma and Thales pleaded not guilty to corruption charges.
May 2026: The High Court ruled the trial could proceed.
1 February 2027: Trial is scheduled to begin.

Legal Context

This trial date represents the latest development in the long-running arms deal corruption investigation. The proceeding marks a shift from procedural delays to direct adjudication for a case that has spanned over two decades.

The commencement of this high-profile trial ensures the legal process will be visible to the public after years of delays. Residents and interested parties should monitor local reporting for specific information regarding court attendance or access to proceedings in Pietermaritzburg.

The takeaway

The court's decision to move forward underscores the role of judicial oversight in managing long-standing corruption allegations. Observers should look to the February court date as the definitive start of the legal arguments in this case.