The leader of South Africa's governing ANC, Jacob Zuma, is due to appear in court in a new effort to have corruption charges against him dropped.

Mr Zuma, 66, would thereby remove the last obstacle in his way to becoming South Africa's next president.

The former deputy president stands accused of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money-laundering over a controversial arms deal.

Hundreds of his supporters have been holding a rally outside the court.

Thousands more are expected to arrive at the venue in Pietermaritzburg.

This was to have been the start of Jacob Zuma's corruption trial but the ANC leader is challenging the state's decision to prosecute him, the BBC's Peter Biles reports from the town.

Under a cloud

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

He denies the charges laid against him and says he has been the victim of a political conspiracy.

He also says that because of the lengthy delays he can no longer get a fair trial, and wants the case dismissed.

His supporters outside the high court have promised to bring the city to a virtual standstill during his court appearance.

The leadership of the ruling ANC is also standing squarely behind him, our correspondent notes.

The party says it expects Mr Zuma to be its candidate for president in next year's election, when Thabo Mbeki steps down.

Source: BBC