DURBAN: Calm but defiant, South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma appeared in court on Friday to face graft charges from a major arms deal in the 1990s.
Zuma -- forced to resign just seven weeks ago -- sat in the dock as about a thousand cheering supporters rallied outside, reflecting a case that has raised passions and dug political divisions.
He is to face 16 charges over the multi-billion-dollar contract, which dates to before he became president.
After 15 minutes of preliminary legal discussions at the Durban High Court, the case was adjourned until June 8.
Zuma, surrounded by a large entourage, left the court to address his loyalists, telling them that the charges were "politically motivated".
"I am innocent until proven guilty, but there are people who want to treat me like I am guilty," Zuma said to wild cheers.
In the case, which is officially known as "the State v Zuma", the former president is referred to "accused number one".
His lawyers confirmed to the court Friday that he would appeal against the decision to prosecute him -- the latest move of a long legal battle to head off the charges and avoid a trial could send him to jail.
In the courtroom, supporters chanted his name, while outside, the crowds sang "Tell us what he has done wrong" and "Hands off Zuma".
"He might have made his own mistakes, but we say allow the old man to retire in peace. It is a conspiracy," pro-Zuma business manager Sphelele Ngwane, 29, told AFP.
On Thursday night more than a hundred ardent backers had rallied in Albert park in a gritty suburb of Durban to protest his innocence and demand a halt to the prosecution.
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