By Barry Bateman, Eye Witness News

Six years after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)gagged the Mail & Guardian, the publication has finally been able to reveal the lies former spin doctor Mac Maharaj allegedly told to the NPA and the bribes he accepted to secure tenders.

The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled a week ago that the NPA Act does not impose a blanket ban on publishing confidential information but rather a balance should be struck between securing the criminal justice system and freedom of expression.

The gag order related to confidential disclosures Maharaj had made to the NPA and during which he allegedly lied.

Then acting prosecutions boss Nomgcobo Jiba rejected the newspaper’s request to publish the details in 2011.

In 2003, Maharaj was interviewed in terms of Section 28 of the NPA Act, which allows for full disclosures, but incriminating evidence may not be used against the person being questioned.

But it is an offense to provide false information.