The application for a permanent stay of prosecution by former President Jacob Zuma’s co-accused and French arms company, Thales, in relation to the dubious multibillion-rand arms deal will be heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court over the next four days. “Bearing in mind the very long delay of this procedure – through no fault of Thales at all – together with a range of factors beyond its control, Thales believes it cannot obtain a fair trial, as it is entitled to under the South-African Constitution and international law,” the company said in a statement on Sunday.