Zuma to prosecute Downer, Karyn Maughan for 'leaking' personal information

The charges relate to News24's publication of details of Zuma's medical condition, which the former president claims were leaked by Downer.

The former president obtained a private prosecution certificate after the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal declined to prosecute Downer.

Downer is the chief prosecutor in Zuma's corruption trial relating to the arms deal with French arms company Thales.

They are facing charges of corruption, racketeering, and money laundering relating to the 1999 multi-billion-rand arms deal.

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In May last year, Zuma filed a court application demanding that Downer recuse himself from the case as he might compromise the trial, the application has since been dismissed.

Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says Downer is not an ethical man and has an agenda against Zuma.

"I can confirm that the prosecution of Billy Downer and Karyn Maughan, their appearance in court will be at the end of October. The two worked together to disclose information that belonged to the NPA without the permission of the NPA boss Shamila Batohi."

Meanwhile, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the charges are tactics to intimidate Downer in the prosecution.

"We can confirm that Adv Downer was served with a summons relating to charges of contravention of Section 41 of the NPA Act. We fully support Downer as we believe that the charges are baseless and without merit. 

"Downer will continue to lead the prosecution team in the trial as we believe that he has prosecutorial integrity and professionalism which speaks for itself."