NPA green lights Zuma private prosecution of Downer
The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed it won't be prosecuting state advocate Billy Downer over the charges laid against him by former president Jacob Zuma.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in KZN issued Zuma with a nolle prosequi certificate on Tuesday.
It's issued when prosecutors decline to prosecute in a particular case if a party's interested in pursuing private prosecution.
The NPA's Mthunzi Mhaga says the certificate was issued after a request was made by Zuma's lawyer even after they refused to prosecute Downer due to insufficient evidence.
Last year Zuma laid criminal charges against the advocate accusing him of leaking medical records, a claim the NPA denies.
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Downer is the main prosecutor in Zuma's corruption trial.
"As the National Prosecuting Authority we are fully behind Advocate Downer and we are offering our fully support as we believe that these allegations or charges are baseless and there is no merit in any possible private prosecution.
"We consider saying it to be an abuse of private prosecution process. Advocate Downer remains focused in ensuring that the trial resumes on 15 August 2022, and he will continue to lead our prosecution team in the charges against Thales and Mr Zuma."
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