DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- Hundreds turned out Tuesday to support dismissed Deputy President Jacob Zuma as he made his second court appearance on corruption charges.A new hearing was set for November 12 to give prosecutors time for further investigation and to issue a formal indictment against Zuma.Lawyers for both sides will also use the time to arrange a date to move the case from the Magistrate's to the High Court in this eastern port city, the South African Press Association reported.The case has divided the governing African National Congress and thrown wide open the question of who will succeed President Thabo Mbeki at the helm of Africa's economic powerhouse when he completes his second and final term in 2009.Mbeki dismissed Zuma in June after a judge found there was evidence of a corrupt relationship between him and his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was sentenced to 15 years in jail for bribery and fraud.But Zuma retains his position as ANC deputy president and continues to wield considerable influence among the party rank and file, including its youth wing. Zuma also enjoys the backing of the ANC's trade union and South African Communist Party allies, which mobilized hundreds of supporters to stage an overnight vigil outside the court on the eve of his appearance.Claims of persecutionThe crowd sang freedom songs Tuesday and waved placards saying: "Zuma people's choice" and "Innocent until proven guilty."Addressing his supporters after the hearing, a buoyant Zuma wearing a dark suit likened his trial to the persecution he was subject to as an anti-apartheid fighter."I did not know that I could have such feelings again during this time of our liberation," he told the crowd.Zuma has made a number of high-profile appearances in recent days -- including a lecture tour in California -- to declare his innocence and whip up support. He accuses the courts of treating him unfairly by judging him before giving him a trial.Police, including some with riot shields and bulletproof vests, cordoned off the Magistrate's Court and all other cases were delayed during Zuma's appearance Tuesday. His next appearance will be on a Saturday to avoid similar disruptions.Seating debateThe ousted leader was kept waiting at the door to the packed courtroom while lawyers argued over where he should sit.Defense lawyer Kessie Naidu said he wanted to spare Zuma the "ignominy" of sitting in the accused box, but prosecutor Billy Downer argued he should be treated like all other accused.Magistrate Bilkesh Asmal allowed Zuma to sit with his lawyers.Zuma faces two corruption charges, but prosecutors are investigating additional charges and don't expect the case to go to trial before next year.Shaik was found to have made payments amounting to some 1.2 million rands ($185,000) to Zuma over a number of years to help fund a lavish lifestyle.The judge in that case also concluded Zuma was aware of Shaik's efforts to facilitate a 500,000 rand ($77,000) a year payment to the ex-deputy president from French arms trading company Thint Holdings -- formerly Thomson CSF -- to deflect corruption investigations into a 1999 arms deal with the South African government.Shaik is appealing his conviction.Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.