Zuma’s prosecution bid against Ramaphosa postponed

Former President Jacob Zuma attended Johannesburg’s High Court on Thursday (Apr. 11) as part of his private prosecution attempt against President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zuma accuses Ramaphosa of not taking action against a prosecutor and journalist who he claims revealed his medical records against prosecution regulations.

Judge Norman Manoim ruled to postpone the criminal proceedings to August 6, 2024, with the private prosecutors required to update the court on any developments in the case at that time.

After his court appearance, Zuma spoke to supporters of the uMkhonto we Sizwe party, which he joined in December ahead of the upcoming general elections on May 29. He criticized the South African legal system, stating that it appears to show favoritism in who is prosecuted and that the country is not being properly governed.

Zuma’s criticism of the judiciary has intensified since the launch of a judicial commission investigating corruption allegations during his presidency. He blames President Ramaphosa for ongoing issues in the country, including electricity problems and unemployment.

The MK party, which Zuma is now part of, successfully defended itself against an attempt by the ruling ANC to remove them from the ballot for the upcoming election.