Boesak reasons remain 'secret'
2005-01-19 23:10
Cape Town - The reasons for convicted fraudster Allan Boesak's pardon remained secret on Wednesday, with the presidency and justice ministry passing the buck on who should explain.
Presidential communications official Malerato Sekha said all media queries on the pardon were being dealt with by justice department spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
However, Kganyago said it was up to President Thabo Mbeki to decide whether he wanted to give reasons.
The justice department earlier this week issued a statement saying the Constitutional Court had ruled Mbeki was not obliged to give reasons for a pardon decision.
The statement coincided with a Democratic Alliance request to Mbeki and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla for full reasons.
Asked whether the request would be met, Kganyago replied: "Why should we? Because the DA asked for it, is that the reason?
'Up to president to decide'
"As a department, we do not divulge such information because we are recommending to the president.
"It is up to the president to decide whether he wants to do it (give reasons) or not."
He said a pardon fell in the same category as a cabinet reshuffle, which was also an act for which Mbeki did not have to give reasons.
Presidential spokesman Bheki Khumalo said at the weekend Mbeki had decided to grant the pardon in the "public interest", but has given no more information on the motivation for the decision.
DA justice spokesperson Sheila Camerer said on Wednesday that remorse was usually a prerequisite for pardon, but Boesak had not shown any or even admitted guilt.
- SAPA