Former President Jacob Zuma’s private prosecution case against President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially been removed from the Gauteng High Court roll, effectively marking the conclusion of his legal battle.
The case, which had already faced several legal setbacks, was dismissed at every level of the judicial system, including by South Africa’s Constitutional Court.
The final blow to Zuma’s case came when the Constitutional Court 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 earlier set aside Zuma’s private prosecution bid against Ramaphosa.
With the case now removed from the court roll, the legal process has reached its definitive end, leaving no room for any further criminal proceedings related to this matter.
Unlike Zuma’s previous legal battles, which often attracted large crowds of supporters, the courtroom during the final ruling was nearly empty. No members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which Zuma now leads, were seen in attendance. The only people present were the legal representatives from both sides and a few journalists. This absence of supporters marks a stark contrast to the high-profile political drama that frequently surrounded Zuma’s earlier cases, suggesting a waning public interest or a shift in focus towards other issues ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Zuma’s private prosecution against Ramaphosa stemmed from allegations linked to the controversial case involving Billy Downer, a senior state prosecutor, and journalist Karyn Maughan. Zuma accused Downer and Maughan of leaking his private medical records. He then sought to extend the legal action to President Ramaphosa, claiming that Ramaphosa failed to take action against Downer. However, the courts consistently ruled that Zuma’s attempt at private prosecution lacked legal merit, leading to its dismissal at every stage.
The Gauteng High Court first dismissed the case, followed by a rejection from the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Monday affirmed these earlier decisions, leaving Zuma with no further legal recourse.
Zuma, known for his persistence in litigation, now faces the end of this particular legal battle, with legal experts believing that this ruling signals the final chapter in his efforts to prosecute Ramaphosa. While this decision concludes the private prosecution case, it does not necessarily indicate the end of Zuma’s legal or political maneuvers, as he continues to be a figure of influence within South Africa’s political landscape.
The removal of the case from the court roll marks a significant legal defeat for Zuma, but it also highlights the conclusion of a contentious chapter in South Africa’s political and legal history.