The Pietermaritzburg High Court recently dismissed former president Jacob Zuma’s second attempt to have state prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer removed from the ongoing arms deal corruption trial. This decision, delivered in early May 2025, continues a legal battle that has spanned over two decades and includes allegations against Zuma and co-accused French arms manufacturer Thales[1]. Zuma’s application to remove Downer—whose involvement in the case dates back to the early 2000s—was based on claims previously made about Downer’s conduct, including alleged leaks to the media[3].
Presiding Judge Nkosinathi Chili also reserved judgment on an application to drop corruption and racketeering charges against Thales. The matter has been adjourned until June 3, 2025, for further proceedings[1]. Downer, who is retired but still closely associated with this high-profile case, has faced multiple legal challenges and accusations from Zuma, including a failed private prosecution that was struck from the roll in April 2024, though an appeal by Zuma is pending in the Constitutional Court[2].
Billy Downer is best known for his longstanding role in prosecuting both Zuma and his financial adviser Schabir Shaik in connection with the 1999 Arms Deal. Despite repeated efforts from Zuma’s defense team to have him removed from the case, the courts have so far consistently dismissed these applications, allowing Downer’s continued central involvement in the prosecution of the matter[3].