Finance minister Tito Mboweni says he has read the book by investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh titled Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture, which was released on March 31.
He said he had made a decision not to publicly share his views on the book's contents because of the legal implications.
I have read, studied and reflected on @PLMyburgh’s book. Given that it raises too many potential legal issues, I have elected not to publish my views. Go read it and make up your mind. Over and out.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) April 8, 2019
On social media people said that Mboweni's response was a sign of truth being evident in the book, while others said that he's trying to have his cake and eat it.
Yes, protect your bread & butter. A good silent enabler. If the gossip is true, Ace may be your godfather in our GangsterState 🇿🇦
— Debs (@debbieflorence) April 9, 2019
Good, keep your opinion to yourself... O tshaba Ace pic.twitter.com/agrssW0x0P
— brenny seima (@SeimaBrenny) April 8, 2019
Legal considerations? Perhaps. But you could not have gone against the ANC publicly. Not now! Actually, I think you've given us your view on this issue.
— Madlazolaka (@Somgwezani) April 8, 2019
And there in lies your answer ...
— kram D🌎🇿🇦 (@kram_noswod) April 8, 2019
Clearly you scared of ♠️♠️♠️ minister pic.twitter.com/debblC2V5s
— Mandla Khumalo (@Mricho82) April 8, 2019
In a post that has since been deleted, Mboweni criticised the book's title, describing it as "disappointing".
"I must say that from a conceptual and intellectual viewpoint, I find books which force me to agree with the author's conclusion a priori very disappointing. Tell the story and let me conclude in my own understanding of the facts."
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