Opposition parties join forces in High Court to prevent disbanding Scorpions

By Anele Siwa
15 May 2008

The ACDP, DA, ID and UDM on Wednesday filed a joint submission in the High Court as amicus curiae in the application brought by Hugh Glenister to prevent the Government from disbanding the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) known as Scorpions.

“We feel that we have legitimate right to challenge the circumstances which led to the disbanding of the Scorpions,” says UDM leader Bantu Holomisa.

According to Holomisa their contention is that the decision to follow legislation of disbanding the Scorpions was not made by any organ of state, but by the ANC in an effort to protect its members from investigation and prosecution for alleged wrongdoings.

“We contend that the continued existence of the Scorpions in its current form is an essential element in the fight against crime, a position reinforced by the Khampepe Commission Report,” he added.

The four opposition parties argued that the reasons that Government and ANC office-bearers have advanced for disbanding the Scorpions have never been sufficient.

Attempts to get comment from the ANC have failed, but in an exclusive interview held early this year with Bush Radio Current Affairs team, Jessie Duarte ANC national spokesperson said there’s absolutely no relationship between the two issues.

“The discussion about the separation of prosecution services from the investigative services started way before there were any charges that the DSO brings against the president of the ANC Jacob Zuma,” she added.

Meanwhile ANC Secretary Gwede Mantashe at a press conference with the Democratic Alliance said that the Scorpions are being disbanded because they allegedly target ANC members.