Responding on behalf of Zokwana and Ndudane, attorney Barnabas Xulu said his clients became aware of the allegations when another newspaper enquired about them in January.“In consideration of the fact that our clients do not wish to interfere in a police investigation, our clients hereby refrain from answering questions relating to this matter until the Hawks have completed their investigation,” he said.He dismissed Seretse’s allegations as hearsay, adding that it was interesting that the allegations coincided with a court date in which the matter between the department and Seretse’s company would be heard.Xulu said Seretse began his “defamation campaign” during the case between Willjarro and the department.“It is as a result of Willjarro’s case having no merit that our clients hold the view that Willjarro and Chaile Seretse attempted to strong-arm the minister, the deputy director-general and even their legal representatives into endorsing their unlawfully obtained contract. Seretse and his associates’ behaviour can only be described as defamatory. Our clients are thus considering all possible options available to them in dealing with Seretse’s defamatory statements, and any person or publication that recklessly publishes same.”Xulu said that “any and all allegations of corruption are unfounded and Seretse’s defamatory conduct is a mere forum shopping exercise”.He further claimed that Seretse had gone as far as complaining about the department to Zuma, and complaining about him [Xulu] to the Cape Law Society.— News24