The corruption trial of former South African president Jacob Zuma has been postponed to October 26.

Judge Piet Koen said on that date he will try to deliver a ruling on Zuma's plea to have the lead prosecutor, Billy Downer, removed from the case.

Zuma's trial was meant to start in May but has been postponed a number of times due to legal arguments and Zuma's unavailability.

The 79-year-old Zuma, suffering from an undisclosed illness, was absent from proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday and Wednesday. Zuma had surgery in August, but it is not clear what the surgery was for.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, money laundering and racketeering related to the acquisition of military equipment.

In particular, he is accused of receiving kickbacks over a 1999 deal with French arms group Thales in exchange for protecting the company from the investigation. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and Thales has denied wrongdoing.

(With input from agencies)