Who asked Ramaphosa?

2003-08-18 15:11

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance called on President Thabo Mbeki on Monday to investigate and discipline those who instigated prominent ANC member Cyril Ramaphosa's "intervention" in the Scorpions' probe into Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

The DA welcomed Ramaphosa's statement that he had decided not to play a further role in the "intriguing drama starring the Scorpions, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, former transport minister Mac Maharaj and businessman Shabir Shaik", DA spokesperson Hendrik Schmidt said in a statement.

"But why did he need to meet with (National Director of Public Prosecutions) Bulelani Ngcuka to establish that?" he asked.

Ramaphosa was a key figure in the Constitution's development, and he should be familiar with the obligation of the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate crimes independently, and to prosecute cases on the basis of available evidence.

"What mechanisms was he concerned about? Mr Ramaphosa should also tell us who asked him to intervene in the first place.

"ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe claims he was not consulted. Was President Mbeki aware of the request to Ramaphosa or, even worse, did he make the request himself?" Schmidt asked.

Ramaphosa's "cameo role in this saga", however small it turned out to be, was highly improper.

He should never have agreed to interfere in a criminal investigation involving serious allegations of corruption, but he should also never have been asked to get involved in the first place.

Mbeki had to reassure the public he was not involved in this inappropriate political interference, and that - as president of South Africa - he was prepared to stand up for the independence and integrity of the NPA.

"As president of the ANC, he should distance his party from this interference, and investigate and discipline those who instigated it," Schmidt said.

In a statement on Sunday night, Ramaphosa said he had a discussion with Ngcuka on Sunday and "I have decided not to play any role in this matter as I believe that the mechanisms, legal and otherwise, to resolve the various issues are in place".

He confirmed that an approach was made to him to play a role in helping to resolve the matter.

Earlier, the Sunday Times reported that Ramaphosa was expected to meet Ngcuka to open discussions on a possible plea bargain in the case of Zuma, his financial adviser Shaik and Maharaj.

Investigators are attempting to ascertain whether Zuma tried to solicit R500 000 from Thomson CSF/Thales, a company that benefited from SA's multi-billion rand arms deal.

Zuma has repeatedly rejected the allegations.

- SAPA