Arms deal corruption trial: Zuma to appeal High Court’s decision to not remove Downer
The court dismissed his application to remove Advocate Billy Downer as prosecutor in his arms deal corruption trial.
Former President Jacob Zuma addresses members of the media under the banner of new party uMkhontho weSizwe on 16 December 2023. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/ Eyewitness News
PIETERMARITZBURG - Former president Jacob Zuma says he will appeal the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s decision that was handed down on Thursday.
The court dismissed his application to remove Advocate Billy Downer as prosecutor in his arms deal corruption trial.
Pietermaritzburg Judge Nkosinathi Chili says they are no reasonable prospects to remove Downer, subsequently dismissing the application.
This is not the first time Zuma approached the court to have Downer removed.
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However, Zuma says this will not stop him from forging ahead with his bid, as he now intends to appeal the decision.
His lawyer advocate Dali Mpufo said, “We are indebted to your lordship, we took advantage of the break and because the judgement is not too long, it was just to place on record that we have instructions my lord, in respect of the matter this morning. We now have instructions to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal in respect of that matter. The lordship will be served with the papers at the correct time.”
Zuma maintains he will not have a free and fair trial with Downer presiding over this matter.
He has previously accused Zuma of taking the “Stalingrad” approach to delay the case.