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The National Prosecuting Authority said it would oppose any application for a postponement of the fraud and corruption trial of former President Jacob Zuma, scheduled to start in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday.
This, after Zuma, indicated that he would be bringing a Private Prosecution to remove State Advocate Billy Downer from the case.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation said in a statement he was informed on Friday that the State would not be prosecuting Downer for allegedly leaking confidential information on Zuma to a reporter.
The Foundation, said while Zuma would be in court on Monday, he had instructed his legal team to bring a Private Prosecution of Downer, and this would be put into action in the coming days.
The National Prosecuting Authority, meanwhile, said it 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.
