The Pietermaritzburg High Court started hearing former president Jacob Zuma's special plea that state prosecutor - Billy Downer - recuse himself from the multi-billion rand arms deal trial. The defence accused Downer of improper conduct. Zuma and French arms company Thales are facing charges of corruption, racketeering and money laundering. The former president - who is still under medical care in Gauteng following an operation - opted not to apply for a postponement, but rather to follow proceedings virtually. Dries Liebenberg reports...