Zuma’s private prosecution of Ramaphosa fails

JOHANNESBURG - Former president Jacob Zuma's attempt to privately prosecute his successor has failed.

The High Court in Johannesburg has declared his prosecution of President Cyril Ramaphosa invalid and unconstitutional.

READ: Zuma Private Prosecution | Journalist hails 'victory for media freedom'

The court says the Nolle prosequi certificate issued by the KwaZulu-Natal director of public prosecutions to Zuma doesn't apply to Ramaphosa.

The summons against the president has also been set aside.

READ: Ramaphosa vs Zuma | President seeks final and permanent order

Zuma has been ordered to pay Ramaphosa's costs and that of two other counsels.

Zuma turned to the court after blaming the president for failing to act when he told him about prosecutor Billy Downer's alleged misconduct.

He's still fighting to have Downer removed from his arms deal corruption trial.