Opposition parties, ANC lock horns over Scorpions

Government plans to merge the Scorpions and the police

The leaders of three opposition parties today in Pretoria told ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Siphiwe Nyanda that his party is in a hurry to disband the Scorpions in order to prevent them from investigating criminal elements within the ANC.

In a debate organised by the Institute for Security Studies, where the future of the Scorpions was discussed, all parties agreed that the June deadline set by the ANC during its December conference in Polokwane is not feasible.

The United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa, said the approach by President Thabo Mbeki to review and revamp the criminal justice system is better than the lynch-mob mentality from those calling for the disbandment of the Scorpions by June.

“Anybody… who wishes to disband the Scorpions, would have to be patient and wait for next year's elections to pass,” said Holomisa. He said South Africa needs more than 18 months to debate the Scorpions matter.

Crime fighting
Democratic Alliance leader in Parliament Sandra Botha said disbanding the Scorpions is in line with the ANC's plan to protect its corrupt leaders.

“The Scorpions… are without a doubt the most effective corruption busting force in the country. And as such, are a real threat to criminal activities, whether of those in government or outside,” said Botha.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said it is not true that the Scorpions have formulated false charges against Zuma.

“There is ample evidence… that the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] has to charge and prosecute... Let us allow the law to take its course. Let the allegations be tested in an open court of law before an independent judiciary. Then finally we will be able to assist Jacob Zuma to remove the dark cloud hanging over him,” said de Lille.

The parties said if the ANC bulldozes the motion through Parliament, they will have no choice but to go the Constitutional Court route.