Judgment expected in Zuma's 2nd bid to remove Downer from his arms deal trial
A ruling is expected in former president Jacob Zuma's ongoing bid to have State advocate Billy Downer removed from his arms deal trial.
President Jacob Zuma in Parliament. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The High Court in Pietermaritzburg is on Wednesday expected to deliver judgment on former president Jacob Zuma's second bid to have State advocate Billy Downer pulled from the arms deal corruption case.
In May 2021, Zuma - who is accused number one in the case - raised a special plea challenging Downer's title to prosecute, which was ultimately dismissed.
He subsequently brought another application for the seasoned State advocate's removal.
This application is based on largely the same claims of bias - or at least an apprehension thereof - as Zuma's failed special plea except for its reliance on the private prosecution he's now launched against Downer.
READ: Zuma consulting his lawyers over bid to recoup millions for his arms deal defence
The private prosecution was set aside as an abuse of process last year, but Zuma is now appealing that ruling.
He has so far had no luck at the Supreme Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal in December.
But he has indicated he plans on taking the matter to the Constitutional Court.
The application was heard back in October and judgment was reserved.
This marks the first time the case returns to court in five month since then.