Zuma loses bid to appeal Downer, Maughan ruling

Zuma loses bid to appeal Downer, Maughan ruling

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed former president Jacob Zuma's application for leave to appeal the ruling on his private prosecution of State advocate Billy Downer and journalist Karyn Maughan.

jacob zuma court 31 jan pmb
Nushera Soodyal

He's accusing Downer of leaking his medical records to Maughan.

They have both denied the allegations, saying the information was placed on the public court record.

The court earlier this year set aside Zuma’s private prosecution of Downer and Maughan.

Judge Gregory Kruger delivered his judgement in the appeal application on Monday.

"We arrived at the conclusion that there are no merits in any of the arguments made by the applicant and neither the requirements of Section 17 (1a) have been satisfied. 

"Although a punitive order was sought by Ms Maughan, the facts of this matter do not justify the award thereof. We unanimously grant the following order: the application for leave to appeal has been dismissed. The applicant  

“The applicant is ordered to pay the costs of the respondents, including costs of two counsel." 

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