Maduna on September 15, Kebble claims Goldblatt said he had done both Maduna and Ngcuka "many favours" to cover up their own illegal acts, and therefore had their protection. Kebble also claimed that Goldblatt said Maduna and Ngcuka were "in an unassailable position of power because (Maduna) has CIA-backing and that the American-controlled' Scorpions can find a way to charge our president (Thabo Mbeki) with certain obscure offences".

While the allegations seem outlandish, Kebble told Maduna in one letter that he took them seriously. In a follow-up letter on October 6, Kebble quotes Goldblatt as saying Maduna would not act against AIN because the investigator knew that the justice minister "received undeclared gifts, amongst which is a luxury vehicle since sold".

"Should I not hear from you to the contrary, I will assume the contents of this letter, as well as my previous letter, to be correct insofar as they relate to Goldblatt's assertions and their impact on the justice system," Kebble wrote. But an angry Maduna hit back at Kebble, denying he ever received a car as a gift and challenging Kebble to put his evidence before the Hefer commission.

"The gist of the said letter is that Bulelani Ngcuka and I are corrupt, are being manipulated by some intelligence outfits and some unidentified criminal elements and are abusing the public office we hold," Maduna said in his response to Kebble on October 8.

Hefer commission secretary John Bacon confirmed a request had been made for Kebble to bring information to the commission. But this may prove difficult, considering that the main source for much of his allegations, Goldblatt, has denied saying any of the things attributed to him by Kebble. "Clearly, I have never said that. I have no information that either Ngcuka or Maduna could even be accused of any wrongdoing."

"I am prepared to face any forum to answer these insanities. It has become clear that Kebble believes that anyone who does not see issues his way is regarded as a personal enemy," Goldblatt said yesterday.

With acknowledgement to the Business Day.