Tensions flare as Koko is questioned about Salim Essa emails
Tensions ran high at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday.
Former Eskom CEO Matshela Koko returned to the commission for the fourth time.
The commission dealt with emails which were sent from Gupta associate Salim Essa using an infoportal email address with the alias ‘Businessman’.
Evidence from the Eskom databases show that Essa exchanged emails containing information on the power utility's operation with Koko, former chairperson Ben Ngubane, as well as former company secretary and head of legal Suzanne Daniels.
One of the emails sent from infoportal included documents related to the R1.6 billion Tegeta guarantee by Eskom.
Koko told the commission he only started sending and receiving emails from ‘Businessman’ when he returned to Eskom after his suspension in 2015.
He maintained that Daniels gave him the email address, claiming it belonged to Ngubane.
Evidence leader Advocate Pule Seleka brought into evidence a clip from a radio interview in which Koko said info portal belonged to Daniels.
"It is a selective clip that is meant to mislead you. In that interview, I said on two occasions that I was given that email by Suzanne, and every email I sent there reached the chairman.
READ: DA KZN seek accountable for sewerage spill in Ugu
“It is in the same interview where Ms. Daniels confesses to committing a crime and says in her own words," said Koko.
He said to the commission’s chair, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, that Daniels and others come to the commission to twist facts and lie so that he can be nailed for state capture at Eskom.
Seleka pointed out that Koko and his family traveled to Dubai and their visas were organised by ‘Businessman’ (Essa).
Zondo asked how Ngubane was involved in the arrangements of his family visas.
Koko said Daniels told him it was convenient for her to have them arranged by Ngubane.
"Suzanne and I were in a very professional relationship but I wouldn't say we're friends. I trusted her despite working with her for less than a year. She was recommended and proved to be competent," he added.
Seleka also pointed out that Koko emailed Ngubane's private email several times so, therefore, he knew what it is and it was not info portal.
Koko said it was ridiculous that Seleka expects him to remember an email address that was in an email chain.
