Zuma's bid to privately prosecute Downer, Maughan struck off court roll

JOHANNESBURG - Former President Jacob Zuma's attempt to privately prosecute advocate Billy Downer and journalist, Karyn Maughan, has been struck off the court roll.

Judgment was handed down in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday morning.

Zuma accused Downer, who is the lead prosecutor in his arms deal corruption case, and Maughan of illegally leaking a doctor's letter to the media.

Last year, the case was adjourned to allow Zuma time to appeal two court orders obtained by Maughan and Downer to stop the matter.

In his arms deal corruption case, Zuma and French arms company, Thales, are facing multiple charges, including fraud‚ corruption, money laundering, and racketeering.