The Office of the Presidency said on Tuesday

"The allegations made in the charge sheet are still to be tested in court when the matter goes to trial.

"The deputy president wishes to re-iterate that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing or corruption, either relating to the arms deal or his financial affairs. He has stated many times before that Mr Shaik is his financial adviser and administers all his financial matters, including bank accounts.

"The matter is in the hands of the court and the legal process should be allowed to run its course, without prejudging the issue in the media."

On Friday, Shaik commented

"These are allegations which will have to be tested in a court of law. Undoubtedly, the truth will emerge. The matter is now sub judice*** and we do not want to be in contempt of court by responding to each of the allegations outside of court.

"However, the constant media coverage of this matter has had a devastating effect not only on our business operations *, but also on our staff morale as massive uncertainty * sets in as a result of constant one-sided revelations." ** 

* The Corvette Project Officer once quoted ominously "He who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind" - but this whirlwind seems to know no discriminations.

** The best offset against "one-sided revelations" is two-sided revelations, i.e. da truth - it be real.

*** Sub judice rule actually only applies while judgement is reserved.

With acknowledgement to the Sunday Times.