Judge Piet Koen ordered this will be for the adjudication of Zuma’s special plea to remove National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor Billy Downer from the case.

“The state is directed to deliver its answering affidavit by close of business on 2 June 2021. The accused number one (Zuma) is directed to file his relying affidavit, if any, by 9 June 2021,” Koen said.

“The accused number one is directed to file and deliver his heads of argument in regard to the plea in terms of section 1061 (h) on or before 5 July 2021.”

The state has also been ordered to file its heads of argument by 12 July 2021.

Zuma’s legal team reserved his right to not disclose the basis of his defence in the trial.

The former president also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The Citizen