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The Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed former President Jacob Zuma’s application to have advocate Billy Downer recused from prosecuting his arms deal corruption trial.
Judge Piet Koen dismissed Zuma’s “special plea” application ordered that his corruption trial should proceed.
Zuma had objected to Downer leading his prosecution on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) claiming that Downer lacks the title to prosecute him and he is biased against him.
The former head of state wanted to be acquitted of the corruption charges against him if his application was successful, but the trial will now commence.
Last week, Zuma laid a criminal complaint against Downer at the Pietermaritzburg police station for allegedly leaking his confidential medical records to the media.
But the NPA has denied the claims against Downer, describing him as a highly respected prosecutor who had carried himself with integrity throughout his career.
It also accused Zuma of regurgitating old falsehoods in an attempt to delay the start of his corruption trial.
Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales are on trial over the controversial multibillion-rand arms deal. He is facing 16 counts including fraud‚ corruption, money laundering and racketeering, while Thales faces four counts.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
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