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The Rediff Interview /Justice Minister Penuell Maduna

'There will be no cover-up'

Paul Martin, in Johannesburg

As the King Commission hearing opened, South Africa's Justice Minister Penuell Maduna gave an exclusive interview to Sport Africa and Live Africa, who are the correspondents in South Africa for rediff.com.

What are you expecting from the Indian government?

We are expecting the Indian government to send us the tapes. We are working hard on it. It's not a question of if they send us the tapes, it's just a question of when. They will probably make audio copies and send us the copies. We want more than just a certified written copy.
And we are sure this tapes handover will happen in time for Judge King to have the tapes presented in evidence.

What is the government's stand on whether the radio and television media can broadcast the hearings?

There is no objection to it from the government. Right from the start we wanted an open and transparent process. But it's entirely up to the judge. He has certain considerations to take into account. We will have to abide by his decision.

Is there any truth in the rumour that there's a deal between India and South Africa that Cronje will not be handed over to the Indians if he gives full and open evidence here?

No such deal has been made. The Indians are welcome to come any time to see Cronje and speak to him in South Africa. If they need him to come to India, the President (Thabo Mbeki) has the right and the power to have him sent there, if the grounds exist. That is even though we do not have a formal Extradition Treaty with India.

Can there be any cover-up?

There will be no cover-up. We want the truth to come out. The government sees the players as ambassadors for the country, and they must be seen to be clean, or else they should not be there at all.

Paul Martin Cainer is Editor, Sport Africa and Live Africa, and will be reporting on the King Commission hearings for Rediff.com

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