Claims that KwaZulu-Natal's premier will escape prosecution in the multimillion-rand Intaka fraud by testifying for the state have been denied by National Prosecuting Authority boss Menzi Simelane.
Premier Zweli Mkhize is the highest-ranked official implicated in the tenders-for-kickbacks scandal involving Uruguayan businessman Gaston Savoi and water-purification plants.
Mkhize said in numerous interviews that he would be a "witness" for the state, implying he had cut a deal to testify - becoming what is known as a "section 204" witness.
He also said that, after being interviewed by the Hawks last year, he had had no further communication from the crime-busting unit, "which serves as a notice that the state intends to call me as a state witness".
However, Simelane said "we have noted" claims that Mkhize would be a state witness, but said it was not true. "There is no section 204 witness in that case," he said, which confirms Mkhize has not yet got indemnity.
The premier's spokesman denied Mkhize had "spoken about being a state witness in this case".
Meanwhile KZN speaker Peggy Nkonyeni and provincial tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu are set to be arrested tomorrow, after warrants were mysteriously held back for several weeks.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 