Zuma arms deal judge Piet Koen considering recusal
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The judge presiding over former president Jacob Zuma’s arms deal-related trial has indicated he is considering recusing himself.
Judge Piet Koen has given the parties until November 3 to file submissions in this regard, and has adjourned the trial to January 30 next year.
The judge first raised the issue of his possible recusal on Monday when the state argued the trial should proceed in early November. This was opposed by Zuma’s lawyers, who pointed to the fact their client had lodged an appeal with the Constitutional Court against Koen’s ruling, in a “special plea” by Zuma, that lead prosecutor Billy Downer had “title to prosecute” him and any allegations of bias should be dealt with during the trial.
In that ruling he also dismissed Zuma’s complaint that Downer had “leaked” court documents containing Zuma's confidential medical records to journalist Karyn Maughan.
Zuma has initiated a private prosecution against Downer and Maughan, and indicated he will again fight to have Downer removed from the trial on the basis he cannot be prosecuted by someone he is prosecuting.
Judge Piet Koen has given the parties until November 3 to file submissions in this regard, and has adjourned the trial to January 30 next year.
The judge first raised the issue of his possible recusal on Monday when the state argued the trial should proceed in early November. This was opposed by Zuma’s lawyers, who pointed to the fact their client had lodged an appeal with the Constitutional Court against Koen’s ruling, in a “special plea” by Zuma, that lead prosecutor Billy Downer had “title to prosecute” him and any allegations of bias should be dealt with during the trial.
In that ruling he also dismissed Zuma’s complaint that Downer had “leaked” court documents containing Zuma's confidential medical records to journalist Karyn Maughan.
Zuma has initiated a private prosecution against Downer and Maughan, and indicated he will again fight to have Downer removed from the trial on the basis he cannot be prosecuted by someone he is prosecuting.