Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Saturday denied reports that he was asked to provide security for National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa secretary general Irvin Jim.
“For the record, Minister Mthethwa has previously and publicly stated that he does not get involved in any security assessments, irrespective of whether they are politicians, union representatives or any citizen of the republic,” Mthethwa’s spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said.
These assessments were operational matters conducted by crime intelligence, he said in a statement.
“The minister would never influence nor interfere in any such decisions on whether who gets granted protection or who does not.”
On Friday, the Mail and Guardian reported sources close to Jim saying Mthethwa was already asked to provide security.
However Mnisi said the minister was only contacted by Numsa after the report was published.
He asked that individuals or organisation follow the correct procedures when requesting to meet with Mthethwa.
And “[urged] all media organisations to refrain from attributing unconfirmed reports to faceless and nameless sources”. — Sapa