The Scorpions struck countrywide on Thursday in early morning raids connected with the investigation of two corruption charges against former deputy president Jacob Zuma.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions said: ”The central committee [CC] unequivocally condemns the systematic brutal persecution of Jacob Zuma by the National Prosecuting Authority.”
Vavi said it was quite clear that the raids were a direct response to a resolution of the CC asking President Thabo Mbeki to ensure that corruption charges were dropped.
Scorpions investigators moved simultaneously in at least eight locations in a coordinated operation involving scores of personnel from the Directorate of Special Operations. There was a media black-out at the time of the raids.
It appears the raids, based on search and seizure warrants issued in connection with the Zuma case, were conducted at:
- Zuma’s new R3-million Forest Town residence in Johannesburg, which has been bought for his use by an unidentified company. Reporters at the house said there was a stand-off between the Scorpions and members of the VIP protection unit. They apparently forced armed Scorpions members to vacate the house. It was reported that investigators later left with sealed boxes of documents. Zuma was apparently present during the search.
- Zuma’s R1,3-million homestead at Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal.
- The Durban offices of Zuma’s attorney, Michael Hulley. Hulley was present when the investigators arrived and it is understood that specific documents were removed. Hulley then immediately flew to Johannesburg to consult Zuma.
- The Durban home of Zuma’s financial backer Schabir Shaik, who earlier this year was convicted of corruption. Shaik apparently arrived at his home after the raid had commenced. An eyewitess said Shaik told a caller on his cellphone: ”I’m a revolutionary; I’ll take on Mbeki’s boys.”
- Unconfirmed reports said the Gauteng offices of Thales’s South African arm, Thint, were raided, as well as the home of Thint MD Pierre Moynot.
- The Durban offices of Shaik’s company Nkobi Holdings. Shaik was legally obliged to resign as director of the company after his conviction.
- The Johannesburg offices of Zuma’s former attorney, Julie Mahomed. Mahomed, a confidante of the Shaiks, gave evidence for the defence at Schabir Shaik’s trial concerning an alleged R2-million ”loan agreement” between Zuma and Shaik she had drawn up.
- The Pietermaritzburg home of KwaZulu-Natal finance minister Zweli Mkhize. Mkhize was not present and his spokesperson declined to comment. Mkhize, a Zuma ally, also gave evidence for the defence at Shaik’s trial concerning the so-called Development Africa Trust, of which he and Zuma benefactor Vivian Reddy were trustees. Reddy, who helped finance Zuma’s Nkandla homestead, told the Mail & Guardian he had not been raided.
- The Mpumulanga home of Zuma’s friend, businesswoman Nora Fakude-Nkuna, who was another of Zuma’s benefactors. She also contributed to Zuma’s building costs at Nkandla.
On Thursday afternoon, National Director of Public Prosecutions spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi denied allegations that the raids were planned to coincide with the Cosatu statement this week.
Last Friday the Scorpions obtained a search and seizure warrant as part of their ongoing investigation. Nkosi refused to name the owners of the other premises raided. — Additional reporting by Sapa