The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it’s ready to start with former president Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial.
But Zuma says there are new applications that will still be brought.
The NPA is hoping all Zuma’s fresh bids will be dealt with before the trial date.
Judge Piet Koen earlier dismissed his application to remove prosecutor Billy Downer from the case.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said: “We welcome the judgment, we feel vindicated and we are ready to proceed, to call our first witness.
“We just hope that there will be no more delays because this has been quite a protracted process that at least now will come to an end.”
The Jacob Zuma Foundation says it’s disappointed but not surprised at such a judgment against its patron.
“It’s a travesty of justice, it cannot be acceptable at any standard,” spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said.
“So, today what we have seen, we have seen a rule of law being trampled upon by a court itself. This cannot be so, the Foundation is very clear on this matter. We are going to advise President Zuma to appeal this irrationality that has just transpired here today.”
One legal expert believes the trial might not get underway on 11 April.
Mpumelelo Zikalala, founder and director of Zikalala Pty Ltd, Zikalala Attorneys, said: “I think by the time we come back, already an application for leave to appeal would have been filed under Judge Koen and maybe they can use that particular date to hear that application.
“If it’s too long and requires an amount of time. They could say come in closer so that we can be able to give you your leave to appeal and you can take your matter to the SCA. Maybe the judges at the SCA may come to a different conclusion.”
Zuma’s trial has been set down for two consecutive judicial terms from 11 April to 18 September 2022.
Source: eNCA
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