Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Proceedings have been delayed at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, as Day One of the Jacob Zuma trial endured a predictably sluggish start. The corruption case filed against uBaba and the French company Thales has been years in the making – but the defence is STILL stalling for time, due to an attempted ‘recusal’ against Advocate Billy Downer.
Zuma trial delayed once more – but why?
Zuma’s most beloved strategy – delay, delay, delay – appears to be in full swing. Before he set foot in the courtroom on Monday, it was believed that the trial would not kick off properly, after the 79-year-old parted ways with his legal team just weeks before his day in the dock. His lack of representation was already likely to push things back.
However, the drama intensified once everyone took their seats for the Zuma trial. The defence, or whatever is left of it, launched a dramatic, last-minute recusal bid against state prosecutor Billy Downer. If you’re getting deja vu, that’s because Msholozi also tried to have Raymond Zondo recused from the State Capture Inquiry last year.
NPA's Advocate Billy Downer SC says he has been informed that Jacob Zuma’s legal team intend sto bring an application to force him off the trial's state prosecutor. @IOL #ZumaTrial pic.twitter.com/Rmi0x3UA3S
— Sihle Mavuso (@NewsBotZA) May 17, 2021
Recusal bid ‘to be explained this week’
However, no reason for the attempted recusal has been shared publicly with Billy Downer or the state itself. A special plea, filed earlier today, will be heard on Wednesday. We’ve also learned that Jacob Zuma plans to plead ‘not guilty’ once the trial actually gets underway. The following details of a recusal process have been shared online this morning.
Section 106 (1h) application brought by Jacob Zuma lawyers. #ZumaTrial pic.twitter.com/4WkMgOmKIX
— Tebogo Khaas (@tebogokhaas) May 17, 2021
- The Zuma trial will officially restart on Wednesday 26 May
