Jacob Zuma’s private prosecution case against Ramaphosa removed from high court roll! Former President Jacob Zuma’s private prosecution case against President Cyril Ramaphosa has been officially removed from the Gauteng High Court roll, following a series of unsuccessful legal challenges. This marks the end of a legal battle that Zuma had fought through multiple courts, only to be dismissed at every level, including by the Constitutional Court.
Constitutional Court Dismisses Zuma’s Appeal
The final blow to Zuma’s case came when the Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest legal authority, dismissed his last attempt to appeal the matter. This ruling upheld previous decisions by both the Gauteng High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal, which had previously set aside the case.
The removal of the case from the court roll signifies that the legal process has effectively reached its conclusion, preventing any further criminal proceedings in this matter.
Empty Courtroom as Ruling is Delivered
Unlike Zuma’s previous legal battles, which often attracted large crowds of supporters, the courtroom on the day of the ruling was nearly empty. No members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which Zuma now leads, were present. Instead, the only individuals in attendance were legal representatives from both sides and a handful of journalists covering the proceedings.
The absence of Zuma’s supporters marked a stark contrast to the high-profile political drama that has often surrounded his legal matters. This suggests that public interest in this particular case may have waned, or that his political base is focusing on other battles ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Legal Roadblocks and Repeated Dismissals
Zuma’s attempt to prosecute Ramaphosa privately has faced legal setbacks at every stage. Initially dismissed by the Gauteng High Court, the case was subsequently rejected by the Supreme Court of Appeal, and then ultimately struck down by the Constitutional Court.
The apex court’s decision on Monday affirmed the rulings of the lower courts, leaving Zuma with no further legal avenues to pursue the case in a criminal court. Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the High Court was left with no choice but to remove the case from its roll, thereby bringing an end to the proceedings.
Zuma’s Counsel Acknowledges Defeat
Advocate Khosi Pama-Sihunu, representing Jacob Zuma, formally acknowledged the court’s decision. Addressing the court, he stated:
“As such, my lady, it is my instructions to therefore remove this matter from the roll.”
This statement confirmed that Zuma’s legal team had no further moves to make in this particular case.
The End of Zuma’s Private Prosecution Effort
Zuma’s private prosecution bid against Ramaphosa stemmed from allegations linked to the controversial Billy Downer and Karyn Maughan case—a separate legal battle in which Zuma accused Downer, a senior state prosecutor, and journalist Maughan of leaking his medical records.
Zuma then attempted to extend legal action to President Ramaphosa, accusing him of failing to act against Downer. However, courts consistently ruled that the private prosecution had no legal merit, leading to its dismissal.
Despite Zuma’s reputation as a “persistent litigant”, legal experts believe this ruling signals the final chapter in this particular battle.
Political and Legal Implications
While this ruling brings an end to the private prosecution matter, it does not necessarily mark the end of Zuma’s legal and political maneuvers.
- Zuma remains entangled in other legal battles, including his corruption trial linked to the arms deal scandal, which has been delayed for years.
- Politically, his alignment with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has made headlines as he seeks to challenge the ANC, his former political home.
- His legal losses may impact his credibility among his supporters, but he continues to use legal and political platforms to challenge the status quo.
Conclusion
With the Constitutional Court’s final ruling, Zuma’s private prosecution case against President Cyril Ramaphosa is officially over. The courtroom’s emptiness during the final ruling reflects the diminishing significance of the case in the broader political landscape.
For now, it remains to be seen how Zuma will redirect his energy—whether through new legal challenges, further political moves, or continued resistance against the ANC-led government.