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Mbeki-NPA tape recordings, the plot thickens |
| Publication |
Cape Argus |
| Date | 2009-03-27 |
| Reporter | Bheki Mbanjwa |
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Web Link |
Controversial Jacob Zuma aide Erwin Ullbricht was questioned by the Scorpions
several months ago in connection with the illegal interception of telephone
conversations allegedly between then-president Thabo Mbeki and National
Prosecuting Authority heavyweights in the lead-up to and after the Polokwane
conference.
The illegally intercepted recordings are apparently being used by the ANC
president's lawyers to argue the corruption case be dropped.
Ullbricht confirmed to the Daily News on Thursday night that he had been
questioned in connection with the illegal recordings, but would not elaborate
further. "Why are you asking me this, when you know very well that I was
questioned," said Ullbricht.
He claimed Zuma's calls had also been illegally intercepted and said the
question that should be asked is why this had been done.
Zuma's spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said last night he had no knowledge of the ANC
president's calls being intercepted. He said the issue of representations made
by Zuma's legal team to the NPA was a matter between the two parties.
Therefore Ullbricht was out of line in commenting, he said.
Ullbricht is not new to controversy. Several years ago his home was raided by
the Scorpions in connection with documents related to Zuma. Before that he was
investigated in connection with a curious plot reported as an attempt to
assassinate KZN Judge President Vuka Tshabalala, who had been followed in the
week leading up to his naming the judge to hear the Zuma case.
Last year his Chatsworth home was riddled with bullets during a drive-by
shooting.
The recordings include conversations between Mbeki and former Scorpions boss
Leonard McCarthy; and between McCarthy and former national director of
prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka.
Mbeki's office said in a statement yesterday: "Mr Mbeki has, over the years
disputed these claims and wishes to emphasise that at no stage did he interfere
or contemplate interfering in Mr Zuma's case."
"Former president Mbeki wishes to invite anyone who has such evidence to hand it
over to the law enforcement agencies so that legal remedies are sought by any
party that believes that it may have been unduly compromised."