Chartered Accountant and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the controversial forensic auditing firm, Open Water Peet Pietersen says those who wanted to take author and investigative journalist, Pieter-Louis Myburgh on regarding allegations made in the book were at a disadvantage during the discussion, because they were not a part of the panel and all they could do is ask a question during the Q & A session.

Open Water was frequently appointed by former Free State Premier Ace Magashule’s administration to investigate allegations of corruption outlined in Myburgh’s book as well as others. It’s alleged the firm under the leadership of Pieterse and his partner Reavel Nkondo swept corrupt dealings and were even referred to as Magashule’s “cleaners” locally. The irate CEO who carried a large bag filled with documents to the venue of the launch – The Odeion - felt he wasn’t given the chance to tell his side of the story, despite being quoted in the book.  “You get bullied from the stage by journalists who say they have the interest of fairness and the truth at heart, we saw it’s not so”. He said he wanted to face Myburgh but was denied the chance of doing so properly. The Daily Maverick investigative journalist on the other hand says Pieterse was given a right of reply.

In the book Pieterse is quoted as saying Open Waters formerly known as Ramathe Fivaz “probably rather Mr Magashule’s henchmen than cleaners and we were not well liked as our appointment resulted in employees and office bearers being dismissed and/or criminally charged”. He says the only sources quoted regarding the firm, are a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) insider and angry former employees of the firm.

Open Water is in the works of launching its own court application pertaining to the controversial book.

OFM News