In the wake of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s revelation that corruption in South Africa is largely rooted in public procurement, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) echoes his sentiments and calls for the reinstatement of the Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions.
Chief Justice Zondo highlighted that the disbandment of the Scorpions played a significant role in the surge of corruption levels in the country. The UDM, having long voiced concerns about the illogical disbandment of the Scorpions, sees this acknowledgment as a validation of their stance.
The UDM contends that the ruling party’s vested interest in shutting down the Scorpions has been proven over the years, with the #ComradesInCorruption benefiting from the absence of a robust investigative unit. The party emphasizes that the substantial funds misappropriated from the public purse could have contributed to the nation’s development but are now lost to history.
The origin of the campaign to demonize and discredit the Scorpions is traced back to figures like the late Brett Kebble, who, with legal troubles of his own, financially supported the ruling party to influence the closure of this crucial investigative unit. The findings of the Zondo Commission further strengthen the UDM’s assertions.
The UDM underscores that the decision to disband the Scorpions was not a result of any state organ but a strategic move by the ruling party to shield its members from investigations and prosecutions. Recent allegations of corruption related to the Unemployment Insurance Fund involving the ruling party’s leadership have intensified the UDM’s call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to take decisive action.
In light of these developments, the UDM firmly advocates for the swift reinstatement of the Directorate of Special Operations to address the rampant corruption within the government.
