The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has declared its intention to fight former South African president, Jacob Zuma’s threats to once again, have his pending corruption trial delayed.
“The National Prosecuting Authority has noted with concern the media statement issued by the Jacob Zuma Foundation with regards to the trial scheduled to resume on April 11. They accuse prosecution of delaying the case by refusing to remove Adv Downer SC and indicate that they will pursue private prosecution against him,” NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.
“As the prosecution we are and have always 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 interests of any party,” Mhaga added.
The NPA Spokesperson described Zuma’s threats to pursue a private prosecution against Downer as “another intimidating and delaying tactic on their part. They know those charges cannot be substantiated, hence the DPP KwaZulu-Natal declined to prosecute in the matter and NDPP refused to accede to their request for removal of Adv Downer.”
The former president had previously, made strong efforts to have lead prosecutor advocate Billy Downer removed from the case, but failed. His recent decision to have the case postponed again because “he did not agree with the way the matter was unfolding,” has been described by the NPA as another delay tactic, which will not be bought at all.