STATE Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has dismissed the existence of Project Justice at the State Security Agency following claims at the State Capture Inquiry that the operation influenced judges, including paying some of them bribes to rule in favour of former president Jacob Zuma.
Dlodlo spoke during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
A few weeks ago, former minister Sydney Mufamadi, who chaired a high-level review panel on the SSA appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, testified that Project Justice involved recruiting and handling sources in the judiciary to influence the outcome of cases against Zuma.
Dlodlo told MPs there is no evidence of the project’s existence.
“I am therefore concerned about the testimonies given at the state capture commission, especially in light and in relation to allegations on the so-called Project Justice,” Dlodlo told Parliament.
“The allegations that have been made by both the director-general and Dr Mufamadi in respect of the so-called Project Justice have not been verified.”
The SSA’s acting director-general Loyiso Jafta told the commission that the agency had very strong circumstantial evidence of cash having been handed to a member of the judiciary.
But Dlodlo said Jafta disobeyed her authority by testifying at the commission.
“He decided to disrespect my authority and go directly to the commission without coming to the minister, when the law is clear on the relationship between the minister and the authority and control over the department and that of the director-general.”
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
