NPA confirms it won’t prosecute Billy Downer over charges Zuma laid

The National Attorney’s Office has declined to prosecute its prosecutor, Billy Downer SC, after former President Jacob Zuma filed a criminal complaint against him.

In October, Zuma filed criminal charges against Downer for allegedly leaking his Medical record .

Zuma lodged a complaint with Pietermaritzburg Police Station.

“The National Prosecutor’s Office can confirm that the Chief Prosecutor in KwaZulu-Natal (Elaine Zungu) charged Mr. Zuma with a Nolle-Prosequi certificate.

“A Nolle Prosequi certificate is issued when law enforcement has declined to prosecute a party with an interest in private prosecution in a particular case,” NPA spokesman said Mthunzi Mhaga on Tuesday.

Mhaga said the issuance of the certificate followed a request from Zuma’s lawyers after the chief prosecutor declined to charge Downer with insufficient funds

“The NPA agrees with the DPP the charges against Adv Downer are without merit and cannot be sustained hence their decision not to prosecute him,” Mhaga said.

Mhaga said Downer has the full support of the NPA and will continue to lead the prosecution team against Zuma and Thales.

“Mr Zuma has the right to bring a private prosecution and it should be a proper one.” procedures are followed. Of course, Adv Downer will defend himself to the extent of the legal remedies available to him. The NPA will assist Adv Downer in defending himself against what we believe to be an abusive private prosecution,” Mhaga said.

Mhaga said while the NPA continues to prosecute corruption and other serious economic crimes, particularly against the The rich and powerful expect there will be attacks on NPA staff to evade justice.

“We will not be deterred by such attacks. Adv Downer remains focused on ensuring that the trial of Mr. Zuma and Thales resumes on August 15, 2022.”

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