Fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik was neither an honest nor a credible witness, the prosecution in his trial case in the Durban High Court said on Tuesday.
”Shaik’s evidence is littered with evasion and equivocations,” prosecutor Billy Downer said.
He said Shaik blamed others in every case that presented evidence of some wrongdoing, incrimination or irregularity. Downer also accused Shaik of being party to a series of documents that ”admittedly or patently contained falsities”.
In summarising count one of corruption against Shaik, which deals with the ”generally corrupt” relationship between him and Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Downer said Shaik’s evidence in any particular respect cannot be accepted unless corroborated by other evidence.
Downer said whenever Shaik had to take responsibility, he shifted it to someone else.
Payments to Zuma constituted benefits and Shaik made them with the intention of getting Zuma’s support.
”Shaik’s witnesses contradicted his evidence and each other,” said Downer.
The state expects to conclude its final argument in the case on Thursday.
Shaik faces two charges of corruption and one fraud. — Sapa