Standard Bank fingered in the intimidation of MK Party MP David Skosana

The Economic Freedom Fighters has condemned what it describes as the brazen intimidation of MK Party Member of Parliament David Skosana following a heated exchange with forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan during a Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting.

In a statement issued on Friday, the EFF said Skosana was served with bank-related court papers by a sheriff shortly after confronting O'Sullivan during testimony. According to the party, the confrontation occurred after O'Sullivan walked out of the committee proceedings when challenged by the MP. The EFF alleges that O'Sullivan told Skosana, "You are lying through your teeth. You should go and pay the bank back."

The party claims it is no coincidence that confidential banking information was allegedly acted upon with what it termed "suspicious speed" following the exchange. The EFF further alleges that the leak of Skosana's personal banking information, purportedly by Standard Bank, would constitute a violation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Citing Sections 9 and 19 of POPIA, the EFF argued that personal information must be processed lawfully and safeguarded against unlawful access or disclosure. It contends that any disclosure of Skosana's banking details to a private individual without lawful authority would amount to unlawful processing and dissemination of personal information.

The party also referenced Section 99 of POPIA, which provides for civil liability in cases of interference with the protection of personal information, saying the matter could have both criminal and civil implications.

In addition, the EFF cited Section 86 of the Banks Act, which restricts the unlawful disclosure of information relating to the affairs of a bank or its customers. The party said any bank official who may have disclosed Skosana's information outside lawful judicial processes would have violated statutory and common law duties of confidentiality. It added that if an officer of the court disclosed details of the service of papers improperly, this too would constitute a breach of ethical and legal obligations.

The EFF suggested that if court processes were being "selectively weaponised" and aligned with political confrontations in Parliament, it would raise serious concerns about possible collusion between elements within the judiciary, the financial sector and O'Sullivan.

Describing O'Sullivan as having a pattern of intimidating those who challenge him, the party said it had opened a case against him for contempt following his conduct before Parliament.

The EFF has called on Standard Bank to publicly clarify whether it will conduct an internal investigation into the alleged breach. It further demanded that any individuals responsible for leaking Skosana's personal information be arrested.

The statement was issued by EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.