High Court Denies Zuma's Leave for Appeal in Private Prosecution Case

In what can be considered as yet another setback to former South African President Jacob Zuma, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg has refused him leave to appeal its previous ruling. Earlier, the court had set aside Zuma's initiative for private prosecution of State advocate Billy Downer and News24’s legal expert, Karyn Maughan.

The court was not swayed by Zuma’s arguments and maintained that there were no plausible prospects that the Supreme Court of Appeal would rule in favour of the ex-president. This conclusion was reached shortly after the arguments were heard on Monday.

Judges Gregory Kruger, Jacqui Henrique, and Mokgere Masipa formed the full Bench that unanimously denied Zuma's application. This most recent ruling solidifies the ongoing legal complications for the former president, marking a significant chapter in his embattled journey through South Africa's judiciary system.