Madonsela believes it’s about revenge for Zuma

Madonsela, however, charged this week that Mkhwebane has not been truthful about their relationship: “I’ve noted the false news about the car and Advocate Mkhwebane and I supposedly working together. I’ve maintained silence because I believe that’s a proper thing to do but it’s not true that I still have to pay the money for the car or that I abused any car.”

She was referring to declarations made in Mkhwebane’s news conference that Madonsela would be charged for allegedly using her state-provided BMW for longer than she should have and for her son allegedly crashing the car years ago after driving it without permission. Madonsela already said last year that the auditor-general had found she would not be liable for those damages.

ALSO READ: Madonsela ‘defied order’ to return state BMW, says Mkhwebane’s office

Madonsela described a relationship with Mkhwebane that had been fraught from the outset, with Mkhwebane allegedly refusing to be part of a handover process, and that her emails to Madonsela had been “angry and dismissive”.

Madonsela also rebutted an assertion that she and Mkhwebane had spoken after Madonsela’s release of audio tapes of her frustrating interview with President Jacob Zuma that had taken place for the State of Capture report. Mkhwebane subsequently reported Madonsela to the police.

The former public protector explained she has been trying to object through official channels to the BMW amount charged, but is simply being ignored.

“About the car, the action to deduct [R470 000] was unilateral. On the car being used after [my time in] office, I was given a letter from VIP Protection at SAPS to do so and advised by the head at a meeting on 14 October. [Mkhwebane] never objected to me, asked for the car or indicated I would be charged [an amount of money].

“The first I heard of it was when I received a report on my gratuity and what the office intended to deduct. I objected in writing fruitlessly.

“Do ask Mkhwebane which VIP was ever protected with their own car. Is it not government practice to extend a state car with VIP protection?

However, according to public protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe, the office’s former CEO, Louisa Zondo (who resigned shortly after the departure of Madonsela), had warned Madonsela in writing that there would be a cost in the event that the car was not returned, and further allegedly asked her to return it, as her term in office had expired.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Madonsela ‘breaks her silence’ on Mkhwebane

Segalwe alleges Madonsela was not given permission to use the car.

“We are not aware of any such permission or from whom it would have come,” said Segalwe.

“Regarding whether she was made aware of the possible liabilities, the former CEO Louisa Zondo did write to the former Public Protector, asking that the car be returned and that there would be costs in the event the car was not returned,” said Segalwe.