Former South African president, Jacob Zuma, has appeared in court today to face corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal.
Wearing a dark suit, a smiling Mr Zuma waved to crowds of supporters and reporters as he mounted the steps of the High Court in Durban shortly before 0700 GMT today.
The 75-year-old, whose scandal-plagued nine years in office were marked by economic stagnation and credit downgrades, faces 16 charges including fraud, racketeering and money laundering.
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Today in court, Mr Zuma denied any wrongdoing and challenged the decision to prosecute the case, a dramatic development on a continent where political leaders are rarely held to account for their actions before the law.
The speed with which prosecutors booked his day in court is a sign of the loss of control Mr Zuma has suffered since his successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, became head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in December.
However, Mr Zuma still retains some popular support, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the case is being heard.
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