Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana has cleared the National Prosecuting Authority of leaking information to the media about Jacob Zuma and his alleged use of a prostitute.

Zuma had issued a statement alleging that the Scorpions had fed the media the story, part of an affidavit which was never produced in court.

Zuma denied the allegation and accused the media of waging a smear campaign against him.

The claim was that Nkobi Holdings paid R30 000 a month for a callgirl called Robin to “service” Zuma and his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik.

NPA head Vusi Pikoki denied the Scorpions were involved, and forwarded Zuma’s complaint to the Public Protector for investigation.

The last time Mushwana investigated a complaint by Zuma against the NPA, then headed by Bulelani Ngcuka, he found that Zuma’s constitutional rights had been violated.

Mushwana also found in favour of the Land Bank, which had been accused of giving favourable loans to a company called Pamodzi, which has links to ANC officials, including Kgalema Motlanthe and Manne Dipico.

The Public Protector said that “insinuations that Motlanthe and Dipico were involved in the loan transaction are unfounded”.

It was alleged that Mathebula Communal Property Association was prejudiced by undue delay by the Land Bank as a result of the loan.

With acknowledgement to Moshoeshoe Monare and Cape Argus.