Bloemfontein - President Jacob Zuma wants to keep his communications with the NPA in the so-called spy tapes case secret because the DA could use it against him, his lawyers argue.
In papers filed at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), Zuma argues his vigilance in the matter is because the Democratic Alliance is the entity seeking disclosure.
Zuma is appealing against a North Gauteng High Court decision ordering acting National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Nomgcobo Jiba to hand over a copy of certain tapes. The matter will be heard in the SCA on 15 August.
The tapes, transcripts, and other documents, relate to a decision the NPA took in 2009 to drop corruption charges against Zuma.
Confidential
In papers filed as part of the appeal, Zuma maintains his representations to the NPA were made on a confidential basis.
Zuma contends that as president, political leader, and member of the African National Congress, he would be the DA's natural target.
He argues that denigrating him or using certain information to his detriment would advance the DA's political cause.
The DA in response would ask the SCA to decide whether the high court order forcing Jiba to give a copy of the tapes to the court registrar was appealable.
The high court held, in granting leave to appeal its order, that the parties had different interpretations of the order. The matter required the SCA to decide on the final interpretations, the court said.