Zuma wanted Downer to be removed from the prosecution over alleged bias.
Former president and MK party leader Jacob Zuma’s appeal application for the recusal of the lead prosecutor in his arms deal corruption trial has been dismissed.
Zuma appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday, where Judge Nkosinathi Chilli handed down the ruling.
Zuma wants advocate Billy Downer to be removed from the prosecution over alleged bias, saying his right to a fair trial would be infringed if the prosecutor remained.
Judgement
Chilli referred to case law which states that leave to appeal should only be granted when the appeal application has reasonable prospects of success.
In dismissing Zuma’s application for Downer’s removal, Chili said he considered “all the facts” that the former president argued were a basis for Downer to be forced to step down.
Chili said he does not believe that should Downer remain as prosecutor, Zuma’s fair trial rights will be compromised.
The judge added that he does not believe there is a reasonable prospect that another court will differ with his ruling on Zuma’s application for Downer’s removal.
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