NPA Wants Zuma to Stand Trial by April 2009

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is pushing to have ANC President Jacob Zuma's corruption trial possibly by April next year.

This is part of an agreement between Zuma and the NPA over dates for his application for a permanent stay of prosecution.

The court ordered Zuma to indicate by November 17 when he will be ready to stand trial. The legal teams reached an agreement without having to argue in open court.

It's a step-by-step guide on dates for applications, responses and court arguments. The State says it's ready for trial, possibly in mid-April.September 30 is the last day for Zuma and French arms manufacturer, Thint, to file their applications for a permanent stay.

Thint's application will be argued on November 25 and Zuma's two days later.

December 8 will be crunch time, as legal teams will argue to set a trial date.

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali says they are encouraged by the agreement.

Zuma's lawyer Michael Hulley has declined to comment.

* SABC