The Times reported on Monday that the Gupta brother was sent an email containing a link to a blog known as Africa Intelligence Leaks, which the minister cited on February 25, 2015, to support his allegation.
The blog, which is still active, claimed that a CIA ID card with Madonsela’s picture on it existed, as well as various email accounts belonging to the former public protector, which were purportedly used as “proof” that she was working for the CIA.
At the time, Madonsela was prepared to challenge the allegations and investigations in court, which she believed would be used as a guise to tap phones at the public protector’s office or for President Jacob Zuma to suspend her while the investigation was under way.