A former financial adviser to South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma has been found guilty of fraud and corruption.
The high court in Durban Thursday found Schabir Shaik guilty on three counts.
He was accused of paying Mr. Zuma $200,000 in bribes to help further Shaik's business interests.
He was also charged with brokering a bribe between Mr. Zuma and a French arms firm so the company would be shielded from an investigation.
Shaik told reporters Thursday that he is innocent.
Mr. Zuma, who is seen as a favorite to succeed President Thabo Mbeki, was not charged in the case.
It is not clear if South African prosecutors will now charge him. Following Thursday's ruling, opposition groups immediately called for Mr. Zuma's resignation.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.