When the Sunday Times exposed the colourful history of Tony Yengeni's 4x4, the story attracted a flurry of denials, veiled threats and even words of praise, writes Andre Jurgens.

Government ministers, members of Parliament and commentators had plenty to say on radio talk shows, television news channels and in newspapers around the world.

Yengeni even took out a full page advertisement in the country's Sunday papers, except for the Sunday Times, to protest his innocence at our investigators' reports, which he described as "hogwash".

This is what some of those people had to say:

Frene Ginwala, Speaker of Parliament: "Yesterday's Sunday Times article... I've looked at very carefully and I have some concerns about what it actually says. What it does say is that he bought a car, or he got a car, from a company which was involved in the arms deal.

"The allegations are that there was a period when he does not appear to have paid for the car. Now Mr Yengeni has already said that he paid for the car from the first day. So really, the link with the arms deal is not there..."

Douglas Gibson, Democratic Alliance MP: "Mr Yengeni must forget about lawyers and investigations and inquiries. He must stop hiding behind those and he must make a simple statement to the people of South Africa explaining how he got the vehicle, why he got it and everything relating to it.

"And if that solves the matter, that's the end of the matter. If it does not, I'm afraid he's going to have to step down as chief government whip."

Penuell Maduna, Minister of Justice: "He (Yengeni) has rights under the Constitution in law, which all of us have a duty to respect, but we won't protect him. If indeed you have the necessary evidence against him, give it."

Patricia De Lille, Pan African Congress MP: "I am convinced that there is enough evidence to warrant a thorough and proper investigation. Unlike what we hear government officials say, that there is no prima-facie evidence, I'm hoping a couple of months down the line the people who have made those decisions will be brave enough to come forward and say 'We've made a mistake.'"

Smuts Ngonyama, ANC spokesman: "The ANC is highly concerned with the witch-hunt which is being perpetrated by the Sunday Times, in this case against the chief whip, comrade Tony Yengeni."

Thenjiwe Mthintso, ANC deputy secretary-general: "This matter is now being properly investigated by structures that we have got confidence in and, once they have done that, the ANC will have to set in motion its own internal procedures if there is any need for that."

Tony Yengeni, addressing Parliament: "In the light of various media statements, speculation and innuendos in respect of which I'm seeking legal advice as to whether they amount to defamation... The motor vehicle in question has been legitimately purchased by myself. Its acquisition does not in any way amount to a gift or a donation."

Tony Yengeni, on television: "I'm not prepared to be answering the details of my car with journalists at this point... I feel safer in dealing with an official investigation where my rights will be protected."

Tony Yengeni, responding to Sunday Times questions: "I am not legally obliged to furnish any information that is sought purely on a witch-hunt basis. I'm taking steps to have my name cleared... There is going to be blood on the floor, no matter what happens. If anybody did anything wrong, the law must take its course. The country will then cry for justice.

"But those who laid a false trail will have to accept responsibility for their actions if there is no proof of wrongdoing. I'll not stop at anything. A line in the sand has been drawn."

Tony Yengeni, excerpts from his newspaper advert:

"There have been allegations that the finance agreement had been entered into as a cover-up once the secret that I received the vehicle as a gift was out. That is also devoid of truth."

"The facts are that I purchased the vehicle for R230 052."

"... the vehicle was damaged. That caused delivery to take a little longer."

"I have decided to respond to the allegations regarding the acquisition of my car precisely because [of] the frenzy and slander that... elevated my car issue to a major scandal of national and international proportion without any shred of evidence of wrongdoing on the part of anyone."

With acknowledgements to Andre Jurgens and the Sunday Times.