Former president Jacob Zuma has appeared in court in South Africa to face corruption charges relating to a multibillion-dollar arms deal that took place 20 years ago. Zuma, who was ousted as head of state in February, attended a brief preliminary hearing at the high court in Durban, a city on the south-east coast. Referred to as Accused Number One, the 75-year-old did not speak, but told cheering supporters outside court: “The truth will come out. What have I done? I am innocent until proven guilty.”

Hundreds of supporters, many dressed in the green and gold of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, had gathered to chant and sing slogans, and a large police presence had been deployed to prevent clashes. Some carried placards saying “hands off Zuma” and performed the high-stepping toyi-toyi protest dance made popular in South Africa’s decades-long struggle against apartheid. The case was adjourned until June. The hearing is likely to be the first of many as the former president fights a possible jail sentence.(theguardian)…[+]