I'm sorry Thuli, says Maphatsoe

Deputy Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe has apologised for alleging that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is a CIA agent.

He faced the prospect of legal action by Madonsela, who warned on Monday that she would invoke the Public Protector Act should he fail to retract the comments and apologise for them within three days.

According to the act, it is an offence to insult the public protector. The offence carries a maximum fine of R40000 or a jail term not exceeding 12 months or both.

Maphatsoe said yesterday: "After consultation with my organisation, the ANC, it would seem as though my statements have been misunderstood and misinterpreted."

He said he was speaking in his capacity as chairman of the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans' Association.

"I therefore withdraw those statements and apologise for any offence and hurt that would have been caused," he said.

However, he added that the behaviour and the conduct of the public protector remained a "source of concern".

His comments sparked a diplomatic row, with US ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard dismissing them as "baseless and offensive". He said on Monday the US would complain through diplomatic channels.

The government had distanced itself from the remarks and the ANC described them as "unfortunate".

Maphatsoe was called an "idiot" in parliament by DA MP David Maynier yesterday. Maynier had to leave the house after he refused to withdraw his comment.