Godongwana approached by police, appears before integrity commission

He has issued a statement to say he takes the allegations very seriously, and rejects claims he tried to bribe his accuser. 

"I want to reiterate my confidence in our law enforcement agencies and their ability to handle this matter without fear, favour or prejudice. In this regard, I reject with contempt the allegation that I have attempted to silence the complainant by bribing her. 

"As I informed the police, the identity of the complainant is unknown to me. These allegations are unfounded. In the interest of justice, I reiterate my wish that this matter be expedited," he said. 

READ: NPA sends Godongwana docket back to police

Media reports of sexual harassment and assault made against the minister in Mpumulanga emerged recently after he visited a spa on Women's Day. 

Godongwana says for the sake of transparency he chose to appear before the ANC's Integrity Commission this week. 

He says he intends on continuing to serve the country as finance minister while the legal process unfolds. 

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Godongwana said on Thursday he would step aside if the NPA decides to prosecute him. 

He said he has been in contact with police.

"On Thursday, 18 August 2022, I was approached by the South African Police Service in connection with what they said was a criminal investigation against me. 

"I met with an SAPS official and I was furnished with a warning statement informing me of a criminal complaint laid against me in Skukuza, in the Mpumalanga Province. The complainant accuses me of sexual assault."

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"I confirmed to the SAPS official that I indeed was in the Kruger Park area on 9 August 2022, when the alleged incident is said to have occurred. I repeated my previous assertion, that I in no way or at any time inappropriately touched, sexually harassed, or assaulted anyone.”