PDF of 'The President's Keepers' circulating online
A PDF version of the controversial book, 'The President's Keepers', is being widely circulated on social media.
The electronic copy of the much-talked about book by journalist and author Jacques Pauw is being shared on WhatsApp.
It comes after the State Security Agency (SSA) demanded the book be recalled.
UPDATE: Charge laid against 'The President's Keepers' author, Jacques Pauw
State Security Minister, Bongani Bongo, told Jacaranda FM News that the book is in contravention of the Intelligence Services Act.
You can listen to his full interview here.
'The President's Keepers' contains details about President Jacob Zuma's alleged tax evasion.
Bongo says they're considering taking civil and criminal action against Pauw and publisher, NB Publishers.
The publisher is appealing to the public to not share the "pirated, hacked copy".
"We assure the public the book is not banned and we are printing more to meet the overwhelming demand and working to get them to the shops as soon as possible.
"We are also fighting the attempt to have this book withdrawn," NB Publisher says on Twitter.
we understand that many South Africans are doing this innocently, believing it to be a protest against the SSA’s attempt to have the book
— NB Publishers (@NBPublishers) November 4, 2017
the shops as soon as possible. We are also fighting the attempt to have this book withdrawn. Piracy hurts this courageous author, who has
— NB Publishers (@NBPublishers) November 4, 2017
put everything on the line to ensure South Africa knows the truth this book tells. It also hurts the publishing industry, and is illegal.
— NB Publishers (@NBPublishers) November 4, 2017
The South African Revenue Services is also considering taking legal action against Pauw for the publication of confidential information pertaining to the president's taxes.