Brown backs Hawks probe

Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown, pictured, says she is fully behind investigations by the Hawks into allegations of corruption levelled against officials in her department.

Brown’s personal assistant Kim Davids this week became the latest official to be linked via leaked e-mails to the Gupta family freebie trips to Dubai.

The Times reported Davids visited Dubai in 2015 and her hotel bill of R32 000 was sent to the Guptas for settling.

She reportedly stayed at the five-star Oberoi hotel. Davids has since admitted travelling to Dubai, but denies the Guptas paid her bills.

Reacting to the e-mail revelations reported in various media, Brown said: “There are no holy grails. The investigators must do their work.”

In a statement released late on Tuesday, the minister said the public enterprises department has been instructed to assist the Hawks probe by making documents and officials available as required.

Brown, who is on record as calling for further investigation into the public protector’s State of Capture report, said: “Proper investigative processes are the only mechanisms that can lift the clouds hanging over state-owned companies.” – ANA

There are no holy grails. Investigators must do their work. Lynne Brown Public Enterprises Minister