THE Jacob Zuma Foundation says the former president will be pursuing private prosecution against state prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer’s involvement in his corruption trial, set to begin on Monday.
This comes after the former president’s failed legal challenges that have been the focus of Zuma’s legal team against Downer who he insisted would be biased against him if allowed to continue as lead prosecutor in the case.
Zuma has accused Downer of leaking information about his trial to the media.
His foundation held an update about his corruption case in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The foundation confirmed that the former president will be present at the Pietermaritzburg High Court where his case returns this week.
The spokesman of the Jacob Zuma Foundation, Mzwanele Manyi told a press briefing that Zuma’s instructions to his legal team to institute private prosecution “will now be put into operation in the next few days.”
Manyi said Zuma, who turns 80 on Tuesday, is applying for a postponement because “it is very clear that the conditions for a fair trail are non-existent.”
On Monday his team will also respond to the supplementary affidavit served by the National Prosecution Authority where they seek to introduce new evidence in the trial.
“All His Excellency President Zuma really wants is his day in court, in a fair trial and certainly not in a forum which is being rigged by the State,” Manyi said.
The National Prosecuting Authority said on Sunday it had noted with concern the media statement issued by the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
Spokesperson Advocate 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.”
He said the NPA would oppose any application for a postponement because any further delay is not in the best interests of any party.
“With regards to the possible private prosecution against Advocate Downer SC, we view that 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 the removal of Advocate Downer,” he said.
Zuma faces multiple charges of fraud and corruption alongside French arms dealer Thales.
This is over the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal struck back in the 1990s.
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