Mr Zuma had claimed that Billy Downer and Karyn Maughan leaked his confidential records.

Ms Maughan's lawyer argued that Mr Zuma had pressed charges because he didn't like the way she had reported a corruption case against the former president.

The Pietermaritzburg court ruled that the private prosecution violated press freedom and South Africa's constitution.

The court also ruled that Mr Zuma is forbidden from further pursuing these charges privately.

Mr Downer is the lead prosecutor in Mr Zuma's corruption trial, which has been repeatedly delayed.