We act for Mr Trevor Manuel, former Minister of Finance.

The press has reported that Mr Manuel’s name appears on a list of State witnesses in the criminal prosecution of Messrs Ivan Pillay, Johann van Loggerenberg and Andries Janse van Rensburg in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Manuel has commented as follows:

“I confirm that I had indeed provided the prosecution with a statement last year, under compunction of a subpoena issued in terms of section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The prosecutor indicated at the time that I am a witness, and that I am not regarded as a suspect.

I confirm that if I am required to testify, I shall comply with my civic duty to do so. I am advised that as a potential State witness I should not comment on the merits of the charges against the accused, and in the circumstances I shall refrain from doing so. I am in any event not privy to the indictment.

However, the fact that I am listed as one of the witnesses who may be called to testify for the prosecution should not, in the circumstances, be interpreted as an endorsement by me of the charges, or of the process adopted by the State in this matter.”

Statement issued by George van Niekerk, ENSafrica, 12 April 2018