Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has denied suggestions that she may have obtained evidence in her CR17 campaign investigation unlawfully.
In a statement to the media on Friday, Mkhwebane said her investigation was conducted “by the book.”
The PP conducted the investigation by the book. There was no unlawful activity.
Statement from Public Protector’s office
A letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lawyers to the Pretoria High Court on Thursday suggested that Mkhwebane obtained CR17 emails and bank records unlawfully.
Peter Harris, Ramaphosa’s lawyer, also asked the court to keep these emails and bank records sealed from the public.
This is because some information, especially bank records, contain private transactions of private entities, Harris wrote.
He also asked the court to keep Mkhwebane’s email and whistleblower evidence secret until it is determined whether she obtained them lawfully or not.
In her statement, Mkhwebane said she will provide all evidence to the court by 15 August as required in the notice of motion.
Once filed, the documents become public information and anyone can approach the registrar of court to access that information.
Statement from Public Protector’s office
The Public Protector added that she’ll consult her legal counsel on the letter from Ramaphosa’s lawyers before commenting further.