WATCH: PMB court rules on Zuma vs Downer special-plea case

The Pietermaritzburg High Court is set to rule on former president Jacob Zuma’s application to have advocate Billy Downer recused from prosecuting his arms deal corruption case.

UPDATE: Zuma loses special-plea bid to have Downer recused from arms deal trial

Earlier this year, Zuma filed a special-plea application to have Downer removed from the case. The statesman said Downer lacks the prosecutorial title to oversee the trial.

He has also accused Downer of bias and leaking his confidential medical records to the media. 

WATCH LIVE: Zuma vs Downer recusal case

ALSO READ: NPA questions timing of charges against Billy Downer

But the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed these claims and described Downer as a highly respected prosecutor who had carried himself with integrity throughout his career.

At the time, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said they were concerned that Zuma had opened the case when the Pietermaritzburg High Court was yet to rule on his special plea application to remove Downer.

Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales are on trial over the controversial multibillion-rand arms deal. He, along with Thales, face multiples counts including fraud‚ corruption, money laundering, and racketeering.

Should his application to have Downer removed be successful, Zuma wants the high court to also acquit him of all charges.