SCA Dismisses Zuma’s Appeal to Remove Billy Downer From Case, South Africans Call It Delay Tactics
- Jacob Zuma has had his latest attempt to have Billy Downer removed as prosecutor of his trial rejected
- The former president has now failed numerous times in his quest to secure a successful prosecution
- South Africans found the funny side of the matter, noting how many times Zuma had lost court cases
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent ten years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism
FREE STATE –Jacob Zuma has suffered another legal battle loss, this time in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
The SCA, situated in Bloemfontein, dismissed the former president’s latest attempt to have prosecutor Billy Downer removed from his arms deal corruption trial.
Zuma is charged alongside French arms company Thales and faces allegations of corruption. The charges are linked to an alleged half-million-rand bribe connected to the 1999 arms procurement deal.
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SCA rules against Zuma
On 6 February 2025, the SCA ruled against the former president after he appealed Judge Nkosinathi Chili's decision in the High Court. The SCA found no compelling grounds to hear Zuma’s appeal and dismissed it with costs.
Zuma was unhappy with Judge Chili’s decision to dismiss his request to remove Downer as prosecutor, ruling that there was no evidence that the former president’s right to a fair trial would be affected if Downer served as lead prosecutor.
The former president has previously sought to privately prosecute Downer and journalist Karyn Maughan. He accused Downer of unlawfully sharing his confidential medical records, including a doctor’s note, with Maughan, who is a News24 journalist. He maintained that his rights to a fair trial would be compromised if Downer was involved in the case.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about Zuma’s failed appeals
- Zuma lost his appeal to prosecute Maughan and Downer in October 2023.
- Zuma launched another bid to have Downer removed as prosecutor later in October 2023.
- Jacob Zuma’s case against Downer was dismissed once again in March 2024
- Zuma’s case against Maughan and Prosecutor Downer has been removed from the roll.
- Zuma’s failed applications to remove Downer as a prosecutor explained.
South Africans react to Zuma’s latest legal loss
Social media users weighed in on Zuma’s latest failed legal challenge, with some describing it as just another delay tactic.
Gerry Aron exclaimed:
“Delay tactics.”
Lucky L. Mthombeni stated:
“I wish I studied law so that I can chow free money from Zuma. I envy his legal team for one thing and one thing only.”
Patrick Knobel urged:
“Please set a date so that this man can be brought to book. He has been dodging court and jail now long enough. For a supposed sick man, he has far too much good health and energy to be out of jail. So let's get onto this case with urgency please.”
Moira De La Hunt
“Just delay tactics. This man should have been in jail years ago. But as with all these comrades, he will never be held accountable for anything. So, he survives to live out his days in luxury.”
William Vries exclaimed:
“Delay, delay, and delay. Never-ending.”
Julius Malema claims Zuma owes legal fees
In a related article, Julius Malema claimed that Zuma also owed his party legal fees.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader wanted the MK Party head to pay back the money.
Briefly News reported that Malema threatened to attach Nkandla if Zuma didn't pay.
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Source: Briefly News
