Jacob Zuma Foundation Responds to Special Plea Dismissal, Wants Msholozi to Appeal

• The Jacob Zuma foundation says it will advise Msholozi to appeal the judgment handed down by Judge Piet Koen
• The foundation says it cannot understand how Advocate Billy Downer can be allowed prosecute when he is facing criminal charges
• Mzwanele Manyi, the foundation's spokesperson says he was not surprised by the court ruling but did find it disappointing

PIETERMARITZBURG - The Jacob Zuma Foundation has taken the opportunity to share its thoughts about Judge Piet Koen's decision to throw out Msholozi's special plea bid.

The foundation has stated that it would be counsel the former president to challenge the decision made by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

On Tuesday, 26 October Zuma's special plea application to have Advocate Billy Downer recused was refused on the basis that Zuma failed to prove that Downer lack the title to prosecute his arms deal trial.

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The foundation's spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi says the court's decision is irrational and cannot comprehend how Downer can be allowed to prosecute when he is facing criminal charges, according to The Witness.

Manyi highlighted that Koen's judgement referenced civil suits while Zuma's matter is a criminal case. He stated that he was not surprised by the judgement but was, however, disappointed, reports CapeTalk.

Manyi states that the foundation would like for the trial to commence but only when the issue with Downer has been sorted.

"Of course, we want the trial to start but the process must tick all the boxes. The hands of Downer is dirty. Until that is dealt with, it will hamper the process," said Manyi.

Briefly News readers shared their thoughts on the Zuma judgement. Here's what they had to say:

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Jongithemba Ndodana Nkanyezi Nongqele said:

"Let’s wait for Eastern Cape judgement on Oscar matter whether they’ll allow him to escape prosecution."

Toloko Makhoba said:

"JUDGE PIET KOEN ND BILLY DOWNER SAME WATSUP GROUP."

Vusi Ka Mfene said:

"The Man is "terminally ill" let him have his parole in peace "

Sibusiso Mthombheni said:

"He's probably gonna appeal the judgement."

Kwanele Biyase said:

"Judiciary of South Africa is captured by WMC"

"When was the last time uBaba won anything in court": Zuma's special plea dismissed

Briefly News previously reported that former President Jacob Zuma's special plea bid to have Advocate Billy Downer removed from the arms deal trial as the lead prosecutor has been thrown out.

Zuma is facing multiple charges related to fraud and corruption for the procurement of the arms deal tender deal, along with a French arms company Thales.

Judge Piet Koen ruled on Tuesday, 26 October that Zuma's legal representation failed to show that Downer lacked the title to prosecute, reports News24. Zuma had contended that he would not have a fair trial on the basis that Downer was not impartial towards him.

Source: Briefly News