Zuma back in PMB court, set to seek postponement

Zuma back in PMB court, set to seek postponement

Jacob Zuma is set to make his way to the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where the arms deal trial against the former president and Thales is meant to get under way.

Jacob Zuma Court 26 May '21 - AFP
Jacob Zuma is still respected by some of the citizens of South Africa. PHILL MAGAKOE / POOL / AFP

But the former president’s foundation has indicated that his legal team's wanting to pursue a private prosecution of state advocate Billy Downer, so it’s unclear if proceedings will start on Monday.


The Jacob Zuma Foundation's Mzwanele Manyi held a media briefing on Sunday to announce the intention to prosecute Downer.


"The wheels are being set in motion to see that private prosecution happens.


"All President Zuma is looking for really is his day in court in a fair trial and certainly not a forum which had all the hallmarks of being rigged by the state and all the previous unfair and incorrect decisions which will hopefully be corrected by higher courts." 


The Supreme Court of Appeal recently dismissed the former president's application to appeal an unsuccessful attempt to remove Downer from his corruption trial.


Zuma's legal team has now filed his reconsideration application.


Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority's Mthunzi Mhaga says the State is ready to proceed with trial.


"Our witnesses are lined up to testify against the two accused and we will oppose any application for a postponement of the matter because it is not in the interest of anyone for the matter to be delayed further."


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