Jacob Zuma on Tuesday was granted permission to prosecute Billy Downer, the lead prosecutor in his arms deal corruption trial, privately.
The former South Africa President filed a criminal complaint against the lawyer, alleging that he leaked his medical records to the press.
There is insufficient evidence to pursue the case against Downer, though Zuma can do so privately, the director of public prosecutions in the province of KwaZulu Natal said.
Zuma wants Downer removed from the arms deal investigation, accusing him of lack of independence and impartiality.
The former president is accused of racketeering, corruption, money laundering, and fraud. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges leveled against him.
The latest development is seen as Zuma’s legal team’s latest delay tactic to avoid the trial, which is set to resume in August. If he proceeds with the private prosecution, it must be launched within three months.
