Shaik’s testimony ‘will not be vengeful’

Ex-Zuma money ready to testify

What could former “financial adviser” Schabir Shaik reveal about his relationship with Jacob Zuma if he turned state witness in a corruption trial against the President?

That‚ for starters‚ he ran almost every aspect of Zuma’s financial affairs for almost a decade – paying hospital bills‚ debts‚ rent‚ vehicles‚ bonds‚ traffic fines‚ wives‚ school fees‚ kids’ pocket money and ANC membership. Even a R10 car wash and vacuum – according to a forensic audit done by KPMG.

Zuma was the man Shaik once referred to as his “brother”. Shaik‚ who was controversially released on parole after being diagnosed with a “terminal illness”‚ is nearing the end of his 15-year sentence for bribery and corruption involving Zuma – who just as controversially has evaded prosecution. Until now. The Supreme Court of Appeal has dismissed a bid by Zuma to appeal against a previous ruling that he face arms deal-related corruption charges‚ opening the door to a fresh prosecution.

Shaik is ready to testify as a state witness. “Of course I cannot refuse to testify if I am called to do so‚” he told the Sunday Tribune.

“I will be guided by my conscience and welcome the opportunity to put certain aspects of my relationship and dealings with the president into perspective‚ which I did not have the opportunity to do previously‚” he said.

His testimony‚ he added‚ would be based on facts‚ not vengeance.

The financial hold Shaik had over Zuma was detailed in a KPMG forensic audit report. This report formed a cornerstone of the state’s case against Zuma when he was facing charges of fraud‚ corruption‚ racketeering and money-laundering‚ for allegedly using his position in government to further the business interests of Shaik and French arms firm Thint – in exchange for money.

Zuma is likely to challenge the integrity of KPMG’s audit report‚ according to Business Day. It was done by the same person who compiled the report on the so-called rogue unit at the South African Revenue Service.

But it painted a staggering picture of how Shaik controlled Zuma for a decade‚ as reported by the Sunday Times in 2008.