Publication: Sunday Independent Issued: Date: 2007-12-21 Reporter: Fiona ni Ghiollanaraithe

Mo Shaik's Underworld Links

 

Publication 

Sunday Independent

Date

2007-12-22
Reporter Fiona ni Ghiollanaraithe

Web Link

www.sundayindependent.co.za


Close Zuma associate Mo Shaik arrived at the ANC conference in Polokwane with Cape Town underworld chief Cyril Beeka as his bodyguard.

It is understood the pair arrived at the University of Limpopo last Saturday, but made an early exit when the sight of Beeka raised the hackles of some in the Zuma camp.

Weekend Argus has been informed he was accredited by the ANC in the capacity of "service provider" and for the duration of his stay shadowed his subject around the sprawling venue.

It is understood that former transport minister Mac Maharaj approached Shaik, telling him that not only did his position not warrant protection, but that controversial figures posing as security did little to help the cause. Later Maharaj denied that the conversation with Shaik had taken place.

A former member of uMkonto weSizwe, Beeka, 48, is no stranger to ANC circles. Yet ever since MK disbanded and Beeka went back to his home turf in Cape Town he has been linked with underworld circles. Drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, assault and forgery are all charges he has tried to evade over the years. There have also been allegations of murder.

Shaik has played a key role in campaigning for Zuma's presidential win, but the fact that a man so close to Zuma is linked to someone like Beeka is of concern to Hennie van Vuuren, head of the corruption and governance programme at the Institute for Security Studies.

He said Zuma should now, more than ever, see that the integrity of his newly elected office was preserved "and this would include ensuring his advisers and the people with whom they surround themselves are individuals of integrity *1".

With acknowledgements to Fiona ni Ghiollanaraithe and Sunday Independent.


*1       And the moon is made of cheese.