Newspaper runs Maharaj's Scorpions transcripts

Details of presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj's 2003 interview with the Scorpions were published on the front page of the City Press on Sunday.

The newspaper printed the contents of the then transport minister's grilling by the Scorpions, with an editorial note pointing out that it had already published the information in 2007.

The Mail & Guardian had wanted to publish information which it claimed proved that Maharaj lied in the Scorpions inquiry last week, but - after receiving threats of legal action from Maharaj - the newspaper placed black blocks over the controversial text.

Despite this, Maharaj laid charges against the Mail & Guardian and two of its journalists, claiming that possession of the documents - part of a section 28 inquiry under the National Prosecuting Authority Act - was illegal.

The City Press said it had chosen to print the controversial text as it was in the public interest, and that confidentiality was a moot point as the facts had already been published years ago.

The reports on the inquiry raised questions relating to Maharaj's time as transport minister from 1994 to 1999, when he allegedly received kickbacks from French arms and technology company Thales International.

On Thursday Maharaj said: “it now appears to me that the real target of this 'renewed' interest is not Mac Maharaj but President Zuma and his administration”.

“Unfortunately, the matter is now with the police and at this stage I prefer to leave matters there.” - Sapa