The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has responded quickly to the former president and corruption accused Jacob Zuma’s threats to delay his pending trial once more, declaring its intention to fight his effort.
Zuma’s corruption trial is set to resume in the Pietermaritzburg high court on Monday morning, after his efforts to have lead prosecutor advocate Billy Downer removed from the case were unsuccessful.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Zuma Seeks Private Prosecution Against Downer’s Involvement In Arms Deal Case
“The National Prosecuting Authority has noted with concern the media statement issued by the Jacob Zuma Foundation with regards to the trial scheduled to resume on April 11 … They accuse prosecution of delaying the case by refusing to remove Adv Downer SC and indicate that they will pursue private prosecution against him,” NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.
The statement was issued shortly after a press conference hosted by the Jacob Zuma Foundation, during which Zuma stated that he intended to have the case rescheduled because he did not agree with how the matter was progressing.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Operation Dudula Currently Marching In Durban
“As the prosecution we are and have always been ready to proceed with the trial but their delaying tactics continue to stall the proceedings … We will oppose any application for a postponement because any further delay is not in the best interests of any party,” Mhaga said.
Zuma’s threats to pursue a private prosecution against Downer were described 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 removal of Adv Downer.”