Public Protector to conduct preliminary investigation into allegations of soliciting a bribe to obtain government support for a South African company to secure a sanction-busting deal with Iran

Following a request by the Deputy President, the Public Protector has decided to conduct a preliminary investigation into the above allegations with a view to establishing whether anyone in the Presidency or the Department of Trade and Industry might have participated in unlawful conduct involving the use of state resources or power.

 

In this regard the Public Protector will be able to determine whether there are merits in the allegations that state resources and authority were employed to improperly enrich or advantage anyone for unlawful purposes.

 

The Public Protector will provide the outcome of the preliminary investigation not later than 15 April 2012.