Publication	Independent Online
Date	2003-07-31
Reporter	Ndivhuwo Khangale
Web Link	www.iol.co.za

Deputy President Jacob Zuma's personal financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, says he will have the last laugh *1 when the arms deal investigation is concluded.

Speaking on SAfm on Wednesday, Shaik - who is being investigated by the Scorpions for allegedly using his political connections to promote his business and secure arms deal contracts - claimed the evidence would clear him *2.

Asked about cabinet minutes found in his possession, which he was not supposed to have and which allegedly influenced the awarding of certain arms-deal contracts, Shaik said that once the probe was finalised, he would be vindicated.

'How could I use minutes in March 2000 to shape a contract signed in December 1999?'

"The contracts were signed in December 1999 and the so-called minutes of the meeting were for March 2000. How could I use minutes in March 2000 to shape a contract signed in December 1999?" he asked.

Shaik also took the opportunity to criticise National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, the head of the Scorpions, claiming Ngcuka was more inclined to believe statements by Alain Thetard, director of French arms-deal bidder Thales International - which has been alleged to have paid Zuma bribes - than any by Zuma himself.

Shaik said his relationship with Zuma was not based on what they gained from each other.

He said their friendship started when Zuma was still KwaZulu-Natal MEC for economic affairs and tourism. He emphasised that he was "indeed very, very close" *3 to Zuma.

---

*1  Maybe not.

*2  Maybe not.

*3  Indeed.

He who has the last laugh remains to be seen.

But the last six years or so have indeed given some, more than others, of those among us a few giggles and the odd guffaw.