NPA confirms support for Adv Billy Downer SC as lead prosecutor in Zuma/Thales trial

6 September 2022

The National Prosecuting Authority can confirm that Adv Billy Downer SC was yesterday 5 September 2022 served with summons by the Sheriff in respect of charges relating to the alleged contravention of section 41(6) of the NPA Act. In terms of the said provision, the disclosure of certain information is prohibited.

This follows the institution of a private prosecution by Mr Zuma, after the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu Natal, Adv E Zungu, issued a nolle prosequi certificate, following her decision not to prosecute Adv Downer on the alleged contravention.

The NPA and its leadership fully support Adv Downer as we believe that these charges are without merit. They are only designed to intimidate him in the prosecution of Mr Zuma, and to further delay the trial. The private prosecution amounts to abuse of process.

Adv Downer will continue to lead the NPA’s prosecution team in the Zuma/Thales trial. He has the NPA leadership’s full confidence. His track record of prosecutorial integrity and professionalism speaks for itself.

As much as the NPA will allow the law to take its course, we recognise the imperative of protecting our prosecutors from unjustified attacks and intimidation. We expect attacks to intensify as the wheels of justice begin to gain momentum in the context of accountability for state capture. We must and will fiercely resist this. Prosecutors need to act without fear or favour as they deliver on their constitutional mandate to ensure accountability for crime in our country. The people of our country, all victims of state capture, expect nothing less of members of the National Prosecuting Authority.

Issued by Mthunzi Mhaga, NPA Spokesperson, 6 September 2022