Zuma To Hear Reasons Why Judge Dismissed Recusal Bid Against Downer

Former President Jacob Zuma will on Wednesday hear the reasons behind Judge Nkosinathi Chilis dismissal of his application for the recusal of the lead prosecutor in his corruption case Advocate Billy Downer made earlier this year at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

This comes as Zuma plans to apply for leave to appeal the judgment made in March.

The judge initially said he would hand down his reasons at the end of the criminal trial. However, Zumas legal team brought an application about a week ago for the reasons to be made available now.

Zuma together with French arms company Thales are facing charges including fraud and corruption in connection with South Africas arms deal in the 90s.

Zuma has argued as far back as May 2021 in his special plea before Judge Piet Koen that the lead prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer is not fit to handle the corruption case.