A former political journalist for South African newspaper the Cape Argus was being paid to write articles favouring Ebrahim Rasool, premier of the Western Cape province, according to reports from the paper itself.
The paper has published a report online saying Ashley Smith, who worked at the title up until 2006, admitted working as a spindoctor for the premier in an affidavit submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority.
In return, they claim he has requested indemnity against any possible criminal charges.
Smith also accuses the then political editor Joseph Aranes of assisting Rasool’s campaign, which he allegedly denies.