South African President Thabo Mbeki has ruled out a commission of inquiry into allegations that Deputy President Jacob Zuma took a bribe in connection with the multi-billion rand arms deal.
But he has not ruled out investigations by other state agencies.
Zuma was first catapulted into the spotlight after the Mail&Guardian reported that the deputy president is under investigation by the Scorpions for allegedly soliciting the R500 000 bribe to influence the arms deal. Zuma has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Replying to a question in Parliament from Democratic Alliance (DA) finance representative Raenette Taljaard, the president said: ”Commissions of enquiry cost money. They must therefore be appointed on the basis of clear evidence presented to the president, backed by some material facts.”
He added that ”the possibility of using other State agencies to conduct enquiries must also be considered”. The Scorpions are investigating the allegations.
Asked by Taljaard if this was a consistent approach given that a certain person — understood to be Kevin Wakeford, former SA Chamber of Business CEO — made allegations against key market players for the role their conduct may have played in the collapse of the rand in 2001 when the Myburgh commission was appointed, Mbeki said: ”Yes, in the case referred to allegations were supported by evidence.”
Asked whether he intended delegating the leadership of the campaign for moral renewal and regeneration from Deputy President Zuma to another member of the government, Mbeki said: ”No, the Deputy President will continue to lead this campaign.”
Asked if he would be prepared to make a statement on the matter, he said: ”No, we do not believe it is necessary to make such a statement.” – I-Net Bridge