National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka declined to shake the hand of Mo Shaik at a toilet in Bloemfontein last year — but Ngcuka says he is now prepared to forgive all if they apologise.
Ngcuka spoke this week in response to the release of the Hefer commission findings, which cleared him of allegations that he was a spy.
He said the allegations had caused pain and suffering to his staff and to his family, but he has decided to continue his work.
”If I continue with this job these people may still suffer some more. If I continue, I will still have to take decisions — sometimes painful and difficult — with even worse consequences to myself. But despite personal suffering and peril, I am now more determined than ever to carry on with my job.”
But Ngcuka has decided not to sue his accusers, saying the suit would distract him from his work.
”Such action would also delay the healing process and hinder the reconciliation I so desire. I have been vindicated and if I sue, it will only be for the money.”
He reiterated that he will not re-open the investigation into Deputy President Jacob Zuma unless dramatically new evidence comes to the fore.
He did not believe there was any merit to allegations that he had abused his office, he said again. On this allegation Judge Joos Hefer did not make a finding because the main charge of spying could not be proved. In fact, Ngcuka said, he still believed in off-the-record briefings with journalists and would continue holding them in future.
The briefing he held with seven editors in 2003 was central to the allegations of abuse of power because he was alleged to have revealed confidential and defamatory information about individuals he was investigating.
Ngcuka said that while he had received support from the government when allegations were made against him, there were still powerful individuals who did not want the truth to come out about the arms deal. ”That is why all these allegations were made. It was an attempt to decapitate me.”
Ngcuka said Judge Hefer’s findings would teach politicians to move away from smear politics. He added that he accepted Judge Hefer’s criticism about improper leaks from his organisation.
He said the investigation into Mac Maharaj — on which he was criticised for its length — would be expedited. Although he had refused to shake hands with Shaik while the commission was under way, Ngcuka said he was prepared to forgive him. ”If he apologises, I will accept it. He was wrong and he knows it.”