Successful Stint for Billy Downer This Week
Billy Downer's Court Victory Deals Another Blow to Ex-President Zuma
It's been another tough break for Jacob Zuma's favorite foe, lawyer Billy Downer. Downer recently secured another court victory against Zuma, following the dismissal of another attempt by Zuma to oust him as the prosecutor in the fraud and corruption trial that's been ongoing since 2005.
Downer, who once played a key role in prosecuting Zuma's financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, has been at the receiving end of Zuma's Stalingrad defense strategy for quite some time. Zuma's legal team has maintained that Downer's involvement threatens a fair trial. But Judge Nkosinathi Chili's decision has delivered Downer a well-deserved triumph.
Despite this setback, Zuma's squad has announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The corruption trial Zuma faces revolves around the 1999 Arms Deal or the Strategic Defense Procurement Package, where Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales are accused of corruption, racketeering, money laundering, and fraud. Zuma has pleaded not guilty to all charges[1][2].
Zuma's attempts to remove Downer date back to 2021[4], and this dismissal marks his second failed attempt. His legal team has been criticized for its "Stalingrad strategy" of litigation delays[3]. The judges have yet to rule on separate applications by Zuma and Thales seeking to be acquitted of charges[5]. The case is due for a hearing on 3 June 2025[4], where further arguments and potential rulings on Thales’ application are anticipated.
This high-profile trial, stretching over two decades, remains a symbol of South Africa's ongoing battle with accountability and judicial delays[1][3][5].
- The general-news headline on Monday read about another court victory by Billy Downer, dealing another blow to ex-President Zuma in their ongoing corruption trial that originally started in 2005.
- In response to Downer's latest victory, Zuma's legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court of Appeal, marking the second failed attempt by Zuma to remove Downer as the prosecutor.
- The 1999 Arms Deal or the Strategic Defense Procurement Package, at the heart of the corruption trial, involves accusations of corruption, racketeering, money laundering, and fraud against Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales, with the trial symbolizing South Africa's battle with accountability and judicial delays, still due for a hearing in 2025.
