The late minister of safety and security was not impressed with a proposal for a new police fleet made by businessman Schabir Shaik, the charge sheet against Shaik reveals.

This was despite advice from Deputy President Jacob Zuma about the proposal, it is stated in papers before court. The charge sheet alleges that on October 5, 2000 Shaik wrote to Zuma requesting that he arrange a meeting between Shaik's British partner Grant Scriven, and the late minister, Steve Tshwete, regarding the possibility of creating a fleet service for the South African Police Service. Zuma duly arranged the meeting in Cape Town before the end of the year.

Tshwete, however, did not pursue the proposal made to him by Shaik and Scriven.

According to the charge sheet, Shaik, in a later letter to Zuma, complained to Tshwete that the meeting had been arranged after taking advice from Zuma. Shaik pointed out that the lack of response from Tshwete was contrary to Zuma's advice.

Nothing further came of the proposal, but Shaik did not give up hope, it seems. Some time later Shaik, through Zuma, arranged for Scriven to attend a cabinet function in July 2001 after which Scriven remarked to Zuma: "I think I can safely say I am in!"

With acknowledgement to the Daily News.