African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma is reportedly hoping that his claims that former president Thabo Mbeki was involved in wrongdoing in the arms deal will save him from facing a corruption trial.

The Mail & Guardian newspaper is reporting that Zuma's submissions to the National Prosecuting Authority include the Mbeki arms deal claims.

The NPA says it has not yet made a decision on whether to proceed with the case.

It is reported that Zuma is now claiming that Mbeki was involved in impropriety in the multi-billion rand arms deal in 1999 and that he influenced investigations into the controversial Special Browse Mole Report.

It is understood the country?s former ambassador to France, Barbara Maseklea, signed an affidavit saying she was present when Mbeki met with representatives from French arms company Thint.

Mbeki?s has said he cannot remember any such meeting and he has always maintained he did nothing wrong.

If Zuma has submitted such information, the NPA now has to independently verify it before deciding whether any such interference will fatally hurt its case against the ANC president.

It will then have to make a decision about dropping the matter

This issue is likely to he discussed at the ANC?S National Executive Committee meeting taking at Esselen Park.

The meeting ends on Sunday.

Zuma is charged with a list of criminal charges in relation rto his involvement in the arms deal and because of his relationship with controversial businessman Schabir Shaik.