News24 reports that according to the suspended director-general (DG) of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Kgathatso Tlhakudi, he has received an email "warning" him about the chairperson of his disciplinary inquiry.

The email, sent by an unknown source, accuses the chairperson of his disciplinary inquiry of being a "hired gun", sent by DPE Minister Pravin Gordhan, to destroy him. According to the unknown source, Advocate Rathaga Ramawele SC is a long-time friend of Gordhan. The sender claims Ramawele's friendship with the minister dates back to his tenure as the SARS commissioner, which should raise a concern of a conflict of interest. As a result, Tlhakudi has asked that his disciplinary hearing, due to resume in January, be heard before an arbitrator of the bargaining council, to ensure fairness. His term expires in July next year. In his affidavit, Tlhakudi states: “These allegations, while their veracity cannot be determined, are quite shocking and the all the more reason why the matter ought to be placed at the bargaining council before an arbitrator, so that fairness can prevail. I am made to feel anxious and distrustful of the process after receiving such an email.” Tlhakudi was suspended on 22 June after an unknown whistleblower laid a corruption complaint, via a national anti-corruption line, alleging he had failed to follow due process in the appointment of a candidate for a position that had been vacant in the department. Gordhan forwarded the complaint to the Presidency, to which President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by appointing Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola to deal with the matter.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at News24

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