NPA lawyer grilled over decision to withdraw Zuma charges
The National Prosecuting Authority's Advocate Hilton Epstein has had a tough time convincing the full bench of judges - in the Supreme Court of Appeal - of the validity of their decision to withdraw 783 charges against President Jacob Zuma.
Justice Azhar Cachalia has repeatedly reminded Epstein of the court's previous ruling that the motive behind bringing the charges did not negate the merits of the charges themselves.
Justice Mohamad Navsa has also questioned why there's no affidavit from NPA head, Mokotedi Mpshe included in the NPA's arguments to prove that he did apply his mind when making his decision to withdraw the charges against the president.
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Justice Cachalia further indicated that by confirming the content of Deputy Willie Hofmeyer's affidavit, Mpshe conceded to being manipulated.
Epstein attempted to argue that the timing of the indictment served on Zuma just before the ANC's Polokwane conference was suspect.