The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says they are ready to oppose former President Jacob Zuma’s special plea for the recusal of prosecutor, Billy Downer in the corruption case if the matter is not going to be postponed on Tuesday.
Zuma is currently serving a 15-month jail term in another matter for contempt of court.
In Zuma’s application, his team will argue that Downer’s appetite for the case is no longer about his professional work but rather to politically nail Zuma who has said the charges against him were politically motivated.
Meanwhile, Zuma is in hospital and is apparently unable to attend the corruption case proceedings. The proceedings will now be heard virtually.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says: “I can confirm that tomorrow during a virtual hearing the legal team of Zuma will be making a substantive application for a postponement of the matter because he is indisposed and has been admitted in hospital however as the prosecution we were ready to argue the special plea but these are circumstances beyond our control.”
Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi however dismissed reports that Zuma was ill saying he was in the hospital for a scheduled medical check-up.
In the video below is the Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi:
