Chairperson, we stand here today listening to the ANC ring the death knell of the Scorpions only because they can. This utterly self-serving move is being made in the total absence of any cogent argument from them as to why the Directorate. Special Operations should be disbanded and the only logical conclusion is that they are motivated by the desire to protect ANC members from any current and future corruption investigations.
We all know yet another member of the ANC NEC bit the dust last night. Communist and ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe has stated that, "The only thing that the DA and the Scorpions have in common is their persistent hatred of the ANC." This makes it crystal clear that the ANC top structure opposes the DSO on the grounds of political expediency and that this decision has absolutely nothing to do with improving the criminal justice system.
We must factor in that the charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice would not have been brought against National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi had it not been for investigations carried out by the DSO.
The same is true in the case of the indictment that has been brought against the ANC President Jacob Zuma, which includes the taking of 783 bribes to the total value of R4,2 million over a ten-year period.
Now the ANC's resolution to disband the DSO not only displays a flagrant disregard for public opinion, but also ignores the Khampepe Commission recommendation that it be retained in its current form. South Africa cannot afford to be without an independent unit capable of conducting complex and high-profile investigations and seeing them through to successful prosecution.
The DSO is the last remaining institution that could possibly be effective in exposing corruption and dealing with complex investigations such as those related to organised crime. If we lose the DSO, we will lose this ability and allow criminal syndicates to contribute even more to our already dangerously high levels of organised crime. And, simultaneously, we will lose international credibility as investors would see that the government is not serious in combating crime, while globally crime fighters will shake their heads in utter disbelief at such a shortsighted step.
The DSO differs from the SAPS in that it makes use of a troika of activities, intelligence gathering, criminal investigation and prosecution taking place within one team. This powerful combination of skills and expertise, led by a qualified and experienced prosecutor, means that the DSO is able to conduct investigations that are solid and stand up in court. This is the reason behind its excellent conviction record of 94%.
The DSO is effective because of its prosecution approach. It's the very heart of the DSO. Now you intend to pull out the few staff members, who are the cream of the crop left in the unit you set out to destroy, and move them into the SAPS with its dismal prosecution levels. Not one of you has told the citizens of South Africa why you are so set on destroying such a success story instead of expanding it and having the SAPS learn from it while working with it.