[JURIST] The Durban High Court convicted an associate of South Africa's Deputy President Thursday at the end of a high-profile corruption trial that had gripped the nation. Financial advisor Schabir Shaik [Wikipedia profile] was found guilty of fraud in his business dealings with South African politician Jakob Zuma [biography]. The judgment, read live over radio and television for three days, opens the door to possible criminal charges against Zuma, seen as a frontrunner to replace current South African President Thabo Mbeki [BBC profile]. Zuma condemned the verdict as a "trial by media" while the South African government reserved judgment until "considered reflection by relevant legal and political authorities" occurs. SABC has local coverage. BBC News has more.