Themba Maseko ready to testify against Zuma and Ajay Gupta

30 August 2018 - 14:58 By Karyn Maughan

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Former government spokesman and GCIS CEO Themba Maseko, who told the state capture inquiry about how then-president Jacob Zuma removed him from his post after he refused to spend R600m of the GCIS’s budget on the Guptas’ media outlets The New Age newspaper and ANN7, said he believes that there is a basis for potential criminal prosecution of Ajay Gupta and Jacob Zuma.

Former government communications head Themba Maseko says he’s ready to testify against former president Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta in a criminal trial – and has welcomed the Hawks announcement that the case against the pair is under “ongoing” investigation.

Maseko was speaking to TimesLIVE after he completed his evidence in chief at the State Capture Inquiry. He added that he was ready to face cross-examination from the Guptas’ lawyers.

As yet‚ Zuma’s lawyers have not confirmed that they will seek to cross-examine any of the State Capture Inquiry witnesses.

“I’m ready. I’d welcome any cross examination from anyone‚” he said.

Click here for the latest news and analysis of the state capture inquiry

Maseko‚ who lost his position a few months after he refused to channel state advertising funds to The New Age newspaper‚ said he believed taking the stand was “worth it”.

The National Prosecuting Authority is currently deciding whether Maseko should be charged over his alleged role in a Public Works contract concluded 13 years ago.

That case was opened against him after he went public with his claims that Zuma had asked him to “help” the Guptas. Maseko says the case is “baseless” and its timing deeply suspicious.