Mkhwebane worried that SA seems not to trust her

Recently appointed Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, on Thursday assured South Africans that she was no “puppet or spy”.

Mkhwebane, who has been accused of being a spy close to President Jacob Zuma, on Thursday said that the trust deficit in her office was being perpetuated on social media.

“I am not taking it lightly. I know the perception which is out there that I am a spy and a puppet,” said Mkhwebane.

She added: “I am here to tell South Africans that we are here to serve you.”

Mkhwebane urged people to pay no attention to what is otherwise being reported.

“Let us work together for the benefit of the country.”

Mkhwebane made the remarks during a stakeholder’s forum at the Gauteng Legislature on Thursday.

The public protector also revealed that she has received a legal opinion on Zuma’s bid to take the State of Capture report on judicial review.

“I am meeting the legal team on Monday and that’s where we will decide which direction to take,” she said.

Commenting on the offer by her predecessor, Thuli Madonsela, to pay R470 000 for the state-owned car damaged while being driven by her son, Mkhwebane said: “The CEO as the accounting officer has taken the matter to the state attorney.

“National Treasury regulations are saying that if the accounting officer is not sure about the liability, then the state attorney will give a legal opinion.”

Asked if she would consider opening a criminal case against Madonsela, Mkhwebane said: “That is a criminal case. Any person can open a criminal case against a person if they feel there was criminal conduct.”

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