NPA questions timing as Zuma opens criminal case against Billy Downer
Former president Jacob Zuma has opened a criminal case against state prosecutor Billy Downer for what he believes to be prosecutorial misconduct.
Downer, who is the lead prosecutor in Zuma’s arms deal corruption trial, is accused of leaking confidential medical records to the media.
Zuma arrived at the Pietermaritzburg police station on Thursday flanked by daughter Duduzile, lawyer Mongezi Ntanga and Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.
He spent less than an hour inside the building before he addressed supporters that had gathered outside.
“I am here only to greet you, nothing more,” he said speaking from a marquee set up outside the station.
“I cannot stay here long, I am a prisoner,” he added before being whisked away by his security detail.
Zuma denies the move to lay charges against Downer is a delaying tactic on his part.
The NPA’s national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the merits of the claims against Downer will be taken seriously.
“While the law must be allowed to follow its course, the NPA is concerned about the context within which these charges have been laid, and the timing in light of the pending judgment of the High Court. Adv Downer SC is a highly respected prosecutor who has carried himself with integrity throughout his career in the NPA.
“All NPA prosecutors are required to act without fear and favour and should feel confident to deliver on their mandates without fear of intimidation. However, we will allow the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal to deal with the matter as and when she receives the case docket from the police.”
Meanwhile, the Pietermaritzburg High Court is expected to deliver judgment on Zuma's application to have Downer removed from the case on October 26.
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