Pic: The times

The department of international relations has confirmed it is investigating allegations that the former ambassador to Iran, Yusuf Salojee, accepted payments from MTN.

The statement by Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in reply to a parliamentary question released on Tuesday, adds a new twist to the controversy over MTN’s operations in Iran.

The South African company stands accused of paying bribes to secure a mobile phone operating licence in Iran, but has denied any wrongdoing. It is alleged that MTN made a payment of US200,000 (R1.6 million) towards the purchase of a house for Salojee in South Africa.

For more go to http://www.timeslive.co.za