FORMER public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba has denied he ever received bags of cash from the Guptas.
His lawyer Advocate Richard Solomon told the Zondo Commission during cross-examination of Witness 3 yesterday that the minister was not at the Gupta home in Saxonwold on the dates mentioned by Witness 1.
“Gigaba denies he carried large sums of cash with him,” said Solomon.
Witness 3 said though he did not see the former minister receiving cash, he “connected the dots” because he would go in and come out of the residence with the bag during their frequent visits.
“Gigaba would deny you ever drove him on any occasion, let alone to the Gupta residence,” said Solomon.
Gigaba admitted he had been to the compound once or twice for meetings. The former minister’s bodyguard insisted that he drove him to the Guptas six or seven times.
He said it couldn’t be that Gigaba was attending a meeting because he appeared nervous when he went to the house, and he would run in.
“It was very odd to run to a meeting in that manner,” he said.
He added that the trips were not recorded on the logbook because Gigaba gave him instructions not to.
Witness 3 said on one occasion, he saw former president Jacob Zuma’s convoy at the residence.
He said he had no reason to come to the commission and lie, thereby putting his life in further danger.
“This is a true reflection of what transpired when I served him,” said Witness 3.
He said he reported these events to his superior Witness 1, who has already testified at the inquiry.
It has been reported that Witness 1 was shot at during the weekend.
Zondo said he hoped law enforcement would deal with the matter and arrest the perpetrators.
“It is completely unacceptable that witnesses, whether those who have given evidence or those who are still going give evidence, are targeted, attacked and attempts are made to kill them,” said Zondo.
