WATCH - Spy Tapes: Arguments on independence of NPA
The National Prosecuting Authority and President Jacob Zuma's legal team have both argued around the independence of the NPA and how its powers were allegedly misused by former Scorpions boss Leonard McCarthy.
The North Gauteng High Court is currently hearing arguments on the DA's application to have a 2009 NDPP decision to discontinue corruption charges against Zuma reviewed.
The second day of arguments has come to a close.
Proceedings started this morning with the NPA's Hilton Epstein who argued that there was an abuse of process when Zuma's indictment was delayed.
He also stressed the importance of the NPA's independence.
"You cannot allow the pursuit of one individual to trump the independence that we require of the NPA," Epstein said.
This sentiment was echoed by Zuma's legal representative Kemp J Kemp, who argued that McCarthy manipulated the legal process for his own political agenda - that of supporting Thabo Mbeki in his run for president.
Kemp said we can't play down the fact that this influence, whether it was successful or not, is very serious.
"It is an enormous affront to the criminal justice system. It is an enormous affront to civil society and the people's structures of governance. The choice of a president is of great importance," Kemp said.
Proceedings are due to wrap up on Thursday.
Edited by Marius van der Walt