Former President Jacob Zuma is expected to learn on Thursday whether he will be granted another opportunity to challenge the lead prosecutor in his long-running corruption case. Zuma and French arms company Thales are facing charges of fraud and corruption related to the controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal dating back to the 1990s.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court will hear two key applications on Thursday. Zuma is seeking leave to appeal a ruling by Judge Nkosinathi Chili, who last year dismissed his renewed attempt to have Advocate Billy Downer removed as the lead prosecutor. Zuma has argued that Downer’s continued presence would prejudice his right to a fair trial, though similar efforts have been rejected multiple times.
In a separate matter, Thales has applied to have the charges against it dropped, citing the deaths of two critical witnesses as detrimental to a fair trial. Zuma has thrown his support behind the company’s application.
These legal maneuvers have once again pushed back the start of the long-anticipated trial, which was initially scheduled to begin in April 2025.