COURT SETS ASIDE PUBLIC PROTECTOR'S 'OILGATE' REPORT

This morning the North Gauteng High Court ruled that the Report of the Public Protector (see here - PDF) on an investigation into an allegation of misappropriation of public funds by the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa, trading as PetroSA, and matters allegedly related thereto, dated 29 July 2005, (the so called "Oilgate Report") is set aside.

The order was delivered by Judge Mavundla, on behalf of Judge Poswa, before whom the matter concerned was argued 20 months ago.

The Court indicated that the judgment, which consists of more than 150 pages, can only be uplifted tomorrow.

The Public Protector will therefore not be in a position to comment on the judgment until he has had the opportunity to study it and after having consulted counsel.

A further statement in this regard will be issued early next Week.

Statement issued by Kgalalelo Masibi, Senior Manager: Communications, Office of the Public Protector, July 30 2009

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