SCA dismisses Zuma’s bid to appeal Downer ruling
Former president Jacob Zuma has failed to convince the Supreme Court of Appeal to hear his bid to have state prosecutor Billy Downer recused from his arms deal corruption case.
Zuma launched the application at the SCA in early April, days before his corruption trial was set to get underway at the Pietermaritzburg High Court in KZN.
Zuma claims that Downer leaked his medical records to the media, further accusing Downer of being conflicted and being biased against him.
On Thursday, the judiciary's spokesperson Nathi Mncube confirmed Zuma’s reconsideration application was unsuccessful.
“The second matter relates to an application in terms of section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013, for reconsideration of the order granted by two Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissing Mr Zuma's application for leave to appeal against a judgment of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Pietermaritzburg.”
The judiciary has also dismissed claims the delays in the decision were deliberate.
“The delays were as a result of administrative challenges within the SCA general office. The Office of the Chief Justice, as the administrative support to the Judiciary, has identified the challenges relating to these matters and is currently addressing any inadequacies in control measures and processes within the general office.
“The OCJ has assured President Maya that they will take the necessary corrective measures to address the failures of its support staff,” Mncube added.
The SCA is also set to hear Zuma’s appeal against the revoking of his medical parole on August 15.
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