Former President Jacob Zuma opened a criminal case against National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocate Billy Downer on Thursday for allegedly making public affidavits that relate to Zuma’s medical information.

Zuma was accompanied to a Pietermaritzburg police station by his daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla as well as his foundation’s spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.

The foundation says Downer’s alleged conduct breaches sections of the NPA Act.

Reacting to the charge against Downer, the NPA said while the law must be allowed to follow its course, it was concerned about the context in which the charges were laid.

“Adv Downer SC is a highly respected prosecutor who has carried himself with integrity throughout his career in the NPA. His reputation speaks for itself. All NPA prosecutors are required to act without fear and favour and should feel confident to deliver on their mandates without fear of intimidation. However, we will allow the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal to deal with the matter as and when she receives the case docket from the police,” the NPA said.