The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on former president Jacob Zuma and his legal team to withdraw the private prosecution launched against News24 journalist Karyn Maughan.

On Tuesday, the organisation, which protects media freedom globally, said journalists must be allowed to cover the court proceedings involving the former president without fear of intimidation.

On 6 September, Zuma launched private prosecution against Maughan and State advocate Billy Downer, the lead prosecutor in his arms deal trial, in response to last year's publication of details of his medical condition by News24.

The details were contained in court papers filed at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

JG Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi argued that the publication of this information was in contravention of the National Prosecuting Act.

Maughan and Downer are expected to appear in the High Court on 10 October.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed its support for Downer, dismissing Zuma's allegations as baseless and without merit. NPA spokesperson, advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, said Downer would not be removed from Zuma's arms deal trial.

"Mr Downer will continue to lead in the trial as we believe he has prosecutorial integrity and professionalism, which speaks for itself. We are aware that there will be unjustified attacks and intimidation of our prosecutors... we will appeal to our prosecutors and continue to be vigilant and prosecute without fear or favour as the nation expects nothing less of them," Mhaga said.

The private prosecution was also condemned by News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson.

He said Maughan had done nothing wrong by publishing information in court documents for public viewing.

"Maughan was just doing her job, and threatening her with private prosecution is a blatant and cynical attack on media freedom in this country. Maughan will continue to report on Mr Zuma's criminal cases, and we will defend her to the hilt," said Basson.