Arms deal case: Court to give reasons for refusing Zuma play to remove Downer
After his failed bid to remove Downer through a special plea challenging his title to prosecute, Zuma in 2023 brought an application for his recusal, which Judge Nkosinathi Chili then dismissed in March.
Former President Jacob Zuma joins the public on the gallery on 19 July 2024, as the house debates the Opening of Parliament Speech made by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the City Hall. Picture: Phando Jikelo / Parliament of SA
JOHANNESBURG - The Pietermaritzburg High Court is on Wednesday set to give reasons for refusing former statesman Jacob Zuma's most recent play for State advocate Billy Downer's removal from the arms deal case.
After his failed bid to remove Downer through a special plea challenging his title to prosecute, Zuma in 2023 brought an application for his recusal, which Judge Nkosinathi Chili then dismissed in March.
Chili did not provide reasons for his decision at the time and said he would incorporate them into his judgment.
The State was opposed to Zuma’s application, and it was argued in August, with Chili ultimately ruling in favour of Zuma and agreeing to hand down his reasons on Wednesday.
Where to from here remains to be seen, though.
The trial was previously set down to finally get rolling in April 2025 .But how this appeal will impact that isn’t clear at this stage.
Advocate Dali Mpofu on the last occasion the matter was in court said it was “premature” to discuss trial dates.
Whether or not the appeal will even be pursued once the reasons are delivered also remains to be seen. Mpofu also last time suggested they may be happy with the reasons and drop it.