"He only gave us a little bit of what's been happening... the ANC realised there was more to it," she said in Johannesburg.

Earlier in the day, the party's National Working Committee (NWC) announced it had decided to place Niehaus on a "leave of absence".

The ANC was still decide whether or not Niehaus would be paid during his absebce, Zulu said.

The Mail & Guardian on Friday revealed fraudulent financial dealings by Niehaus, and weekend media reports contained further revelations of financial misconduct.

On Friday, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told reporters the party had accepted Niehaus' resignation as spokesman, and would "redeploy" him in another role.

However, after further revelations of Niehaus' dealings, the NWC opted to place him on leave.

Zulu said on Friday: "The details regarding the leave must be discussed with him and human resources... he is not the spokesperson, he is not working in the media unit, he is not coming into the office at all.

"The details have not been worked out. I can't say whether or not he is getting a salary."

Zulu said the party was still assisting Niehaus from a "humanitarian point of view".

She said he was "devastated" by the entire matter.

Sapa