Former President Jacob Zuma To Learn Fate Of Downer Recusal Bid As Arms Deal Trial Continues

Former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma will find out on Thursday whether his appeal to have lead prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer recused from his long-standing arms deal corruption trial has succeeded.

The ruling will be handed down by Judge Nkosinathi Chili in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

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Judge Chili reserved judgment in February 2025 after hearing arguments from both the State and Zuma’s legal team.

The case, which has seen years of delays, could face further complications depending on Thursday’s outcome.

Thales Seeks Acquittal

Alongside Zuma’s appeal, Judge Chili will also hear arguments from French arms company Thales, co-accused in the corruption and racketeering case.

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Thales is seeking an acquittal, arguing that the prolonged delays in the case have violated its constitutional right to a fair trial.

The company, which was indicted in 2018, has pleaded not guilty and claims key witnesses crucial to its defense have since passed away.

Thales’ legal representative, Cameron Dunstan-Smith, stated in court papers that the case has been postponed 16 times through no fault of the company.

The application also calls for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to cease its pursuit of charges.

Zuma, Thales Plead Not Guilty

Zuma, 83, and Thales face multiple charges including fraud, corruption, racketeering, and money laundering related to South Africa’s multibillion-rand arms procurement deal in the late 1990s.

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The state alleges that Zuma was on a corrupt retainer from his former financial advisor Schabir Shaik, who allegedly arranged a R500,000 annual bribe from Thales in exchange for Zuma’s political protection.

Despite the case being declared trial-ready in 2021, Zuma has repeatedly attempted to remove Downer from the prosecution team, claiming bias and an infringement of his right to a fair trial.

His legal arguments, including alleged media leaks and impartiality claims, have so far been dismissed by the courts.

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