Zuma questions motives

2003-07-27 22:33

Johannesburg - Deputy President Jacob Zuma questioned on Sunday the Scorpions' motives in allowing a Sunday newspaper to see 35 questions he was asked to answer in connection with alleged misconduct.

"I find it totally unacceptable and despicable that questions that they sent to me have appeared in a Sunday newspaper.

"This is a serious breach of confidentiality and is contrary to the spirit and terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, relating to the confidentiality of information received and disseminated," he said in a statement issued by his spokesperson Lakela Kaunda.

"I am now consulting with my lawyers with regard to the conduct of the (National) Directorate (of Public Prosecutions) and the nature of my response to this situation."

Silence

Zuma said he had remained silent regarding the allegations against him - that he tried to solicit R500 000 from a company which benefited from the country's controversial arms deal, in return he offered to protect it during subsequent investigations - and had expected respect in return.

"For more than three years, I have chosen to maintain my silence as I felt that would allow the investigators space to continue with the probe unhindered. Public statements from my side would have easily been misconstrued to be interfering with the investigation or seeking to influence it in one way or the other, especially given my position in the government and the ANC (African National Congress).

"I have always been ready to co-operate. Early this year, when we first wrote to the directorate to ask if there was an investigation being conducted, I formally offered my co-operation," he said in the statement.

He now had "a serious problem" with the manner in which the directorate - under which the elite Scorpions investigation unit falls - was conducting the investigation.

Leaks

"Despite my silence... there have been constant leaks of information to the media which was clearly designed to cast aspersions on my integrity.

"And while the leaks were going on, there was still no official confirmation that I was being investigated. I only received confirmation after my lawyers repeatedly wrote to the directorate in this regard."

He reiterated that he was not guilty of any wrongdoing and urged those who believed they had a case against him should prove it in court.

Schabir Shaik

Scorpions' spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said most of the questions related to Zuma's relationship with his financial adviser Schabir Shaik - himself under investigation regarding the arms deal - and Shaik's company Nkobi Holdings.

Shaik, who has also been subpoenaed, is to report to the Scorpions' Pretoria office on Tuesday to answer questions regarding his relationship with former transport minister Mac Maharaj and his wife Zarina. The couple are being investigated in connection with their relationship with Shaik and Nkobi holdings, and with over R500 000 in gifts and the R265m contract to supply credit card-style driver's licences.

Financial benefits

Other information asked of Zuma relates to financial benefits he received from various sources, including former president Nelson Mandela, his debts and all expenses he paid on behalf of the African National Congress since 1994.

Zuma has not been asked to write an affidavit, but has been invited to answer the questions in writing. His diaries, official and private travel plans and itineraries since 1995 have also been asked for.

Meanwhile National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka has claimed that he is the subject of a smear campaign relating to the Scorpions investigations regarding Zuma and other government officials.

- SAPA