Fmr. South Africa President Zuma’s trial to proceed regardless his legal team quitting

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it remains ready to start the corruption trial of former South Africa President Jacob Zuma on May 17.

The remark comes after Zuma’s legal representatives, attorney Eric Mabuza and advocate Muzi Sikhakhane notified the Pietermaritzburg High Court that they will no longer represent Zuma, three weeks before the trial date of the former president’s corruption case.

The NPA has released a statement, saying it acknowledges receipt of correspondence from Mabuza Attorneys.

The law firm filed a notice of withdrawal with the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday morning. No reasons have been given. This after a three-year process to bring the case to trial.

Zuma is yet to comment on this latest development.

He is being tried on 16 charges of racketeering, fraud, corruption and money laundering. Zuma has since denied wrongdoing.