Pietermaritzburg – It is understood that former President Jacob Zuma is asking the High Court in Pietermaritzburg to not only remove prosecutor Billy Downer from the case but also to acquit him instantly of corruption charges.
In his quest to get Downer removes, Zuma is understood to be arguing Downer lacks the independence and impartiality required of a prosecutor.
The former president bases his claim on the fact that Downer filed an affidavit in the DA’s successful court bid to force the NPA to reinstate the charges against the former President.
Zuma argues that Downer’s affidavit to the DA’s arguments in that case, which is at odds with the NPA’s position at the time, that the prosecution had been irreparably tainted by political meddling.
He also contends Downer’s siding in that matter, with a political party hostile to Zuma. Disqualifies him from prosecuting the criminal case.
He is said to be pleading for an acquittal if his attempt to remove Downer is successful.
The NPA said it’s studying Zuma’s plea and will respond in court.
The prosecuting authority said at face value, Zuma’s attempt to have Downer removed looks like a regurgitation of old issues already rejected by the courts.
