The National Prosecuting Authority has hit back at Jacob Zuma as there is a threat to once again delay the trial calling it pure intimidation. The arms deal trial of former president Jacob Zuma is set to take place at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday 11 April, after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his application to remove advocate Billy Downer.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has noted with concern the media statement issued by the Jacob Zuma Foundation with regards to the trial scheduled to resume on April 1. They accuse prosecution of delaying the case by refusing to remove Adv. Downer SC and indicate that they will pursue private prosecution against him,” Mthunzi Mhaga the NPA spokesperson, said.
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The statement comes after Mzwanele Manyi, the Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson, held a briefing on Sunday evening and announced that Zuma will institute private prosecution proceedings against advocate Billy Downer. Manyi said Zuma’s team will request a further adjournment on Monday and will respond to the supplementary affidavit which was served by the NPA.
“As the prosecution we are and always have been ready to proceed with the trial, but their delaying tactics continue to stall the proceedings. We will oppose any application for a postponement because any further delay is not in the best interest of any party,” Mhaga said.
Mhaga described the threat made to pursue Billy Downer as intimidation and yet another delaying tactic by the former president.
Source: News24, Times Live, IOL, image from IOL
