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1999

UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE


SECRET SCORPIONS: THE NEW SS?

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY ANNELIZÉ VAN WYK, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON ON SAFETY AND SECURITY

The secret budget and other mechanisms removing the Scorpions from Parliamentary oversight, make their creation increasingly suspect. Are they Mbeki’s private palace guard? 

Apparently the President increasingly emulates – and even refines – the questionable tactics of the old regime. Remember the old State Security Council? 

Discord between the SAPS and the Scorpions already exist; the former does all the hard work, then the “Superman” Scorpions move in, with the TV cameras, and make the arrests! 

Are these “supermen” to help create and sustain a  “super” president? – at all costs? 

What the fight against crime in this country requires is controllable, accountable efficiency. What is not required is more secrecy: that can easily lead to the misappropriation of resources, corruption and the abuse of power. 

The creation and handling of the Scorpions is another test of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It is failing this test! 

Enquiries:
Annelizé van Wyk, MP
UDM Spokesperson for Safety and Security

11 November 1999

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