South African Police Service (Saps) and SITA management have confirmed that certain computer systems have been shut down by software company Forensic Data Analysts (FDA) amid allegations of serious irregularities with the FDA contract, but that policing is continuing across the country.
Brigadier Vish Naidu says contingency plans have been put in place. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is urgently seeking a meeting with Saps and SITA.
Controversial businessman, Keith Keating of FDA, threatened in an e-mail to withdraw the software if police did not pay outstanding accounts.
Keating is at the centre of the corruption allegations against the former acting Police Commissioner, Kgomotso Phalane.
Scopa chair, Themba Godi, says they suggested the payment of the contracts to be stopped as the legality was in question.
“We are shocked and dismayed at the fact that a single company can shut down the criminal justice system in the country in the manner that FDA has threatened to do. This calls into question the kind of contract that has been entered into with this company. Whether the equipment is being rented from from this company or has it been bought by the state. We in Scopa would want an engagement with the police and SITA on this matter,” said Godi.
