Zokwana denies bribery allegations
The Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, has denied involvement in a bribery scandal linked to former president Jacob Zuma.
The City Press reported that during his tenure Zuma was paid R1 million by a Western Cape abalone dealer to keep Zokwana in his cabinet.
The newspaper reported that businessman Chaile Seretse further alleged in an affidavit that Zokwana, union federation Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini and agriculture department deputy director-general Siphokazi Ndudane each received a R300 000 bribe from the same businessman, Deon Larry.
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The Hawks confirmed they are investigating the matter. However no docket has been opened .
"The Minister denies the bribery allegations against him contained in the article. He further denies that he has been involved in any unlawful conduct in relation to the awarding of contracts for processing and sale of confiscated abalone, or any plans to raise money for the African National Congress through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries," Zokwana's office says in a statement.
Zokwana has welcomed the Hawks investigation and says he hopes it will clear his name.