http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20080503083746812C677404 By Karyn Maughan Independent Online May 03 2008 A hacker is threatening to release sensitive documents stolen from Vusi Pikoli's computer to the press - if the suspended National Prosecuting Authority boss doesn't pay for their return. Just days before Pikoli is due to fight claims that he is unfit to hold office, the former NPA head has asked the press "not to facilitate the commission of a crime by engaging with the hacker or any information that he/she offers". The Saturday Star has learnt that the anonymous hacker has not said how much he wants in return for the documents and has indicated he is willing to negotiate. Pikoli's attorney, Aslam Moosajee, however, stressed that although his client had strong grounds to believe his computer had been compromised, he "would not give in to attempts to extort money from him". "We have reported this matter to the appropriate authorities, as well as to Dr Frene Ginwala (who is heading the inquiry into Pikoli)," he said. Moosajee said the extortion attempt was "disturbing" but declined to comment on who might be behind it. He also declined to identify what documents may have been downloaded. The incident comes six days before the much-anticipated first day of the Ginwala Commission, at which Pikoli will argue that his suspension by President Thabo Mbeki was motivated by the Scorpions' corruption investigation into Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi. Government lawyers last Friday stopped Pikoli from releasing documents detailing what he had told Mbeki and other ministers about Selebi's alleged wrongdoing, stating they would apply for parts of the hearing to be held in secret. The Sunday Independent last week revealed that, on that same day, the Presidency had made Pikoli a settlement offer. Pikoli refused to comment on the alleged deal, under which Mbeki would consider lifting his suspension if he agreed to resign from his position. Commission spokesperson Lawson Naidoo declined to verify that "substantial disputes of fact" between the government and Pikoli had prompted Ginwala to call for testimony from each side. In a strange twist, it is understood that Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla - whose bad relationship with Pikoli was the reason given for his suspension - will not take the stand. Instead, justice director-general Menzi Simelane will lead the government witnesses against Pikoli. Earlier this week, in a response to businessman Hugh Glenister's Pretoria High Court bid to stop the Scorpions from being disbanded, Simelane stated under oath that the cabinet had not decided on the crime-fighting unit's future. A day later, the cabinet approved legislation that would enable the government to shut the Scorpions down. Simelane insisted there was no evidence South Africans were opposed to the unit being broken up and rubbished suggestions that disbanding the Scorpions was aimed at protecting ANC members from future investigations. _______________________________________________ Attend Black Hat USA, August 2-7 in Las Vegas, the world's premier technical event for ICT security experts. Featuring 40 hands-on training courses and 80 Briefings presentations with lots of new content and new tools. Network with 4,000 delegates from 50 nations. Visit product displays by 30 top sponsors in a relaxed setting. http://www.blackhat.com
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