A thousand supporters gather as Zuma appears in court in latest attempt to have bribe charges dropped

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Mr Zuma, 66, president of the country's governing party, hopes to remove the last obstacle in his way to becoming South Africa's next president.

Supporters gather as Jacob Zuma appears in court.

The former deputy president is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from a French arms firm and faces charges of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

He denies the charges and claims he is the victim of a political conspiracy. He also says that because of the lengthy delay in bringing the case he will not receive a fair trial, and wants it dismissed.

Hundreds of his supporters held an overnight rally outside the court, while thousands more were expected to arrive at the high court in Pietermaritzburg, promising to bring the city to a standstill.

A protester holds up a sign as part of the demonstration.

Late last night crowds outside the court chanted: "Who told you that Zuma is guilty?" Some wore hats bearing the legend: "Jacob Zuma for South Africa President" and others carried placards that said: "All shall be equal before the law."

The shadow of corruption has been hanging over Mr Zuma since 2005, when he was sacked as South Africa's deputy president.

His party's leadership is standing squarely behind him and says it expects Mr Zuma to be its candidate for president in next year's election, when Thabo Mbeki steps down.