Zuma corruption case postponed to June 8

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The Durban High Court has adjourned until June 8 a case against former South African President Jacob Zuma who is accused of corruption in a years-old 2.5-billion-US-dollar arms deal.

Both Zuma's legal team and government lawyers agreed to the postponement to give both sides time to prepare their submissions.

Zuma appeared in court on Friday smiling and waving to his backers, who had taken to the streets in a show of support.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma departs from the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, in Durban, South Africa, April 6, 2018. /Reuters Photo

He told thousands of supporters outside the court in Durban that his opponents were telling lies and the graft charges against him were "politically motivated".

Speaking in Zulu in his home province, Zuma said that the judiciary and politicians believed that he did not have rights.

“The truth will come out. What have I done?” Zuma told the cheering crowd. “I am innocent until proven guilty.”

Zuma is facing 16 charges including corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering, but the 75-year-old has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

Supporters of former South African president Jacob Zuma march to the high court in Durban, South Africa, April 6, 2018. /Reuters Photo‍

The scandal, which dates back to the 1990s, has resurfaced only a few weeks after his removal from office in February.