Issues raised by Zuma in corruption trial baseless: NPA
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says Jacob Zuma and his legal team don't seem eager to deal with the merits of his corruption matter.
The former president's trial in the Pietermaritzburg High Court has been adjourned until July to allow for a decision on Zuma's special plea application to try and have prosecutor, Advocate Billy Downer removed from the case.
Zuma and French Arms Company Thales both pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, fraud and racketeering relating to the arms deal.
The court on Wednesday heard that Advocate Billy Downer wouldn't be able to independently and impartially prosecute the case.
READ: Zuma confident trial will be over soon
In a statement, Zuma said Downer placed himself as a witness against him when he filed an affidavit in support of a 2016 Democratic Alliance application involving him.
The party approached the High Court asking it to review and set aside the decision.
He says Downer has played a role that makes him an essential witness on the issue of political interference.
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The NPA's Sipho Ngwema says the issues that Zuma has brought up can't be substantiated.
"They seem more eager to deal with peripheral issues that in fact are largely conspiracy theories that they cannot be able to substantiate. But we are happy that they have pleaded. We are happy that the trial has started."
The special plea application will be heard in July.
