Publication	Sapa COURT-5TH-LD-ZUMA
Date	2005-11-12
Issued	Durban
Reporter	Stuart Graham

Former deputy president Jacob Zuma appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Saturday where he was handed an indictment listing the corruption charges he faces.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Makhosini Nkosi said no offer of a plea bargain would be made to Zuma.

"No, we are not going to make the offer," he told journalists inside the court. The offer has to come from one of two parties -- and we are not making it."

However he added "if the offer is made, we will talk".

Zuma's trial will run in the city's high court from July 31 until November 30 next year.

After the court proceedings which lasted just over two minutes, Zuma who was dressed in a grey suit and blue shirt, walked outside and waved to several thousand of his supporters who cheered him on.

One banner read: "Zuma won't get a fair trial".

Many supporters waved the yellow, green and black flag of the African National Congress. A loud speaker blared out music.

Zuma stood inside a white canopy tent erected outside the court where he shook hands with those around him.

Temporary fences were erected to keep the crowd back and police kept a watchful eye while the supporters, who were in a jovial mood, sang pro-Zuma songs such as "Zuma for president".

Many people started gathering outside the court on Friday already. They barbecued meat and were entertained by musicians.

Early on Saturday morning some were found asleep on the grass under the trees.