NPA 'considering legal options' after affidavit related to VBS case leaked
The NPA has instructed the director of public prosecutions in Pretoria to work with the Hawks in tracking down who leaked a high-profile witness statement related to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal case.
FILE: VBS Mutual Bank in Thohoyandou. Picture: Sethembiso Zulu/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has instructed the director of public prosecutions in Pretoria to work with the Hawks in tracking down who leaked a high-profile witness statement related to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal case.
On Thursday, an explosive 77-page affidavit by former VBS chairperson, Tshifhiwa Matodzi, was leaked to the media, detailing crucial evidence of how former VBS employees, politicians, non-executives and businessmen brought the bank to its knees through the means of collusion and corruption.
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The affidavit implicates several former employees and non-execs who are currently awaiting trial on the matter.
NPA spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga: "The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) strongly condemns the unlawful leaking of an affidavit in the VBS case. This undermines the administration of justice and places several individuals, including members of the investigation and prosecution team, in danger. The NPA is considering legal options in this regard."
Mahga said that the leaking of confidential documents in high-profile and complex corruption cases, like VBS, compromised the hard work of investigators and prosecutors.
"This work involves a multi-pronged and long-term prosecution-guided strategy requiring the utmost discretion and confidentiality, including in the handling of documents, and cooperation agreements with accused persons."