/ 21 November 2011

Sanef backs M&G bid for NPA to release Maharaj info

Sanef Backs M&g Bid For Npa To Release Maharaj Info

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) supports the Mail & Guardian's bid to get permission from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to publish information purportedly proves that Mac Maharaj lied to the Scorpions.

 

We talk to M&G editor-in-chief Nic Dawes about Mac Maharaj's accusations that the paper is 'invoking fears of censorship', and the plan in going forward with the story.

"Sanef is concerned that the testimony by Maharaj, who as the spokesperson for President Jacob Zuma is at the heart of government, should be kept secret and joins the Mail & Guardian in requesting [director of public prosecutions] Menzi Simelane to release the record immediately," Sanef said on Monday.

 

"Information about Maharaj's testimony and conduct, given his high profile role in government and his former role as minister of transport, is of major public interest."

Sanef was also concerned that reporters Sam Sole and Stefaans Brümmer could be arrested after Maharaj laid charges at the Parkview police station against them on Saturday for being in possession of a document which could prove the allegations.

Maharaj wants the police to establish whether the publication and reporters broke the provisions of section 41(6) of the National Prosecuting Act of 1998.

His lawyers also asked the police to investigate whether records of the NPA's inquiries had been stolen.

Blackout
The charges relate to Friday's edition of the newspaper, which had a front and second page with black blocks covering information that could not be published.

The Act makes it an offence to disclose evidence gathered in camera by a section 28 inquiry — providing for a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

M&G editor Nic Dawes said the charges would "not wash in any court", as Maharaj's instigation of legal action leaned heavily on the newspaper's possession — rather than disclosure — of the information.

"The Act pertains to the disclosure of information, [the way the story was published] we did not disclose it," he said.

In an on-camera interview on Sunday, when directly asked whether he had lied to the Scorpions or taken bribes, Maharaj repeatedly refused to deny the allegations, preferring instead to insist that he had not broken any laws.

Maharaj is set to address the National Press Club in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Asked for a response to a call by the Democratic Alliance that he be suspended, he said: "It's a free country."

DA transport spokesperson Stuart Farrow said he had lodged a request with the public protector that her office investigate the matter further.

Further comment was not immediately available from the NPA. — Sapa

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