Former President Jacob Zuma's bid to privately prosecute President Cyril Ramaphosa has been set aside as invalid and unconstitutional by the Johannesburg High Court. Zuma alleged that his medical records were leaked to journalist Karyn Maughan by state prosecutor Advocate Billy Downer. 

Zuma charged Ramaphosa for allegedly being an accessory after the fact in his case against State prosecutor Billy Downer and Journalist Karyn Maughan. He accused Ramaphosa of failing to act against the two whom he accused of leaking his confidential medical records. Ramaphosa was granted an urgent interdict in January which meant he did not have to appear in the criminal court as an accused in the matter.

The court found that Zuma's bid to prosecute Ramaphosa had ulterior motives. The former president's bid was also dismissed with costs. "Mr Zuma shall pay the costs of the applicant, the President of the Republic of SA, inclusive of the costs of two counsel where so employed," the court ruled. Ramaphosa's legal team argued that the matter must be set aside as it is unconstitutional and unlawful. The president asked for an interdict to prevent any further steps in pursuing the private prosecution and to excuse his appearance in the criminal court as demanded in Zuma's summons. Zuma accused Ramaphosa of seeking special treatment from the courts because he is the president while Ramaphosa accused Zuma of having an ulterior motive saying the former president wanted to scupper his re-election as President of the ANC.