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NPA awaits Zuma’s next legal steps following dismissal of application on Advocate Downer’s recusal

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is ready for whatever avenue former President Jacob Zuma’s legal team wants to pursue following Tuesday’s judgment in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

Judge Piet Koen dismissed Zuma’s special plea application for the recusal of State prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer.

The application was part of the special plea Zuma had entered in the corruption case against him. Zuma and French arms company Thales are facing charges of corruption, racketeering and money laundering in connection with South Africa’s multi-billion-rand arms deal in the 90’s.

“We will wait and hear how they exercise their right to explore whatever legal avenue that they will explore, but we are ready for that. Even if they take it to Bloemfontein at the SCA (Supreme Court of Appeal). Even if they can take it to the Constitutional Court,  we will be ready to vigorously argue for this decision to be upheld and their appeal or review to be dismissed,” says NPA Spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga.

Video | Judgment in Zuma vs Downer recusal case

Zuma has accused Downer of bias and for also leaking sensitive information relating to him and his case.

The former President believes this corruption case may be compromised if Downer stays on as prosecutor.

Tuesday was the first time that Zuma is attending a court hearing in the case since he underwent an operation in August while serving a 15 month prison term for contempt of court.

He was subsequently granted medical parole.

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