Former President Jacob Zuma has faced yet another setback in his ongoing campaign to privately prosecute State Advocate Billy Downer and a writer, as his latest appeal bid was dismissed by Supreme Court of Appeal President Mahube Molemela. In a two-page order, Molemela stated that there were no exceptional circumstances that warranted a reconsideration or variation of the decision that refused Zuma’s application for leave to appeal.
This ruling comes after three full bench rulings have already confirmed that Zuma’s attempt to charge Downer and the writer over the sharing of public court papers, which included a “vague” sick note from one of Zuma’s doctors, was an abuse of process.
It is believed that Zuma has been pursuing this strategy as part of his “stalingrad” approach to evade trial for arms deal corruption, using futile litigation and endless appeals.
Just last week, Judge Nkosinathi Chili of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court dismissed Zuma’s second attempt to have Downer removed as his prosecutor. Judge Chili has promised to provide reasons for his decision in his final trial judgment.
These repeated legal losses highlight the challenges faced by Zuma in his attempts to avoid accountability for his alleged involvement in corruption. Despite his efforts, the courts have consistently ruled against him, affirming the integrity of the legal process and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
As the legal battles continue, it remains to be seen how Zuma will navigate the legal system and whether he will ultimately face trial for the corruption charges brought against him.
