The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is consulting with its lawyers after City Press newspaper said on Sunday the agency was the source of evidence for spy allegations against the National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka
NIA spokesperson Lorna Daniels said in a statement, ”Prior to the publication of the City Press articles of today (November 9, 2003), we alerted the journalist, editor and managing editor to the fact that they would be in breach should they in error once again publish that the NIA is the source of evidence for the allegation made against the director of the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
”The editor and journalist undertook to correct their story before publication.
”In today’s City Press the error was repeated despite the agreement.”
The City Press article by Mariechen Waldner discussed the case before the Hefer commission, currently running in Bloemfontein, to investigate allegations against Ngcuka and Justice Minister Penuell Maduna.
The article discussed ”the reluctant witnesses whose testimony is crucial to Hefer’s probe”.
According to Waldner these included former transport minister Mac Maharaj, foreign affairs official Mo Shaik, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, former Sunday Times journalist Ranjeni Munusamy and the NIA.
”The NIA, the fourth set of accusers, is the primary supplier of physical evidence in support of the allegations against Ngcuka.
”The agency also employed officials who assisted journalists by substantiating the allegations and confirming the authenticity of evidence.”
Daniels said, ”We are talking to the City Press who has undertaken to address the situation.
”We are also consulting with our legal representatives. This is the second time — the first time was September 17th — that we have had to request the City Press to correct their inaccurate reporting on this matter.” – Sapa