Judge dismisses second Zuma bid to force Downer’s removal, NPA pushes for trial to proceed ASAP

Judge Nkosinathi Chili, of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, took minutes to dismiss Jacob Zuma's latest bid to force the removal of his corruption prosecutor, Billy Downer.

The decision prompted the State to argue that the former president must face trial "as soon as possible".

"Having had regard to submissions made by counsel, the relevant case law, and most importantly the four pillars relied upon by Mr Zuma [as a basis to seek Downer's removal], I am not persuaded that Mr Zuma succeeded in establishing that the retention of Mr Downer in the present matter could prejudice his right to a fair trial enshrined in section 35 subsection 3 of the Constitution," Chili said.