JOHANNESBURG: President Cyril Ramaphosa has emerged victorious in his efforts to block his predecessor's private prosecution against him. The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg delivered a judgment on Wednesday, ruling that former President Jacob Zuma had ulterior motives when he initiated the private prosecution against Ramaphosa.
Zuma accused President Ramaphosa of being complicit in a crime linked to the alleged leaking of the former President's medical records by prosecutor advocate Billy Downer. He further claimed that the President neglected to take action regarding the alleged breach, which he argued compromised not only the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) but also the entire criminal justice system.
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg clarified that the 'Nolle Prosequi Certificates' issued by the NPA do not extend to President Ramaphosa. Moreover, the court declared the summons issued against Ramaphosa as invalid, unlawful, and subsequently nullified it. Furthermore, the private prosecution itself was deemed unlawful and unconstitutional, resulting in its dismissal. Zuma has been ordered to bear the costs associated with the case.
In the case at hand, the court made a notable finding regarding Zuma's failure to make security payments before initiating the private prosecution. However, the court explicitly stated that Zuma's allegations against Ramaphosa, claiming that he neglected a complaint against Downer, would not result in a conviction under any circumstances.
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