Scorpions' debate to intensify today

Opposition parties have united on a bid to retain the Scorpions

The debate over the Scorpions is expected to intensify today when the Khampepe report on the special crime-fighting unit is due to be made public. The main points of Judge Sisi Khampepe's report have been known for almost two years.

Judge Khampepe recommends that the Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions, be retained. However, the Cabinet approved two bills last week which are said to pave the way for the Scorpions to be dissolved and a new unit to be created.

Johannesburg businessman Hugh Glenister is engaged in a Pretoria High Court action that seeks to interdict the government from disbanding the Scorpions.