GOOD statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
02 March 2022
Unless President Ramaphosa urgently capacitates and blows life into the listless NPA the State Capture Commission will be a monumental waste of time and resources.
We welcome last night’s release of Part 3 of the commission’s report into State Capture, the recommendations that high ranking politicians and officials be charged and tried for their part in the State Capture project, in particular.
We note, however, that the rot revealed in the report is not new. The SIU investigated Bosasa 15 years ago, finding irregularities in four of its contracts with the Department of Correctional Services. That report went nowhere.
Three years ago, the country sat spellbound before its television sets as Angelo Agrizzi spilled the dirt on his former employer, Bosasa, and CEO Gavin Watson, in particular.
To its credit, the NPA moved swiftly against former ANC MP, Vincent Smith, in the wake of Agrizzi’s evidence, charging him with corruption for the gratifications he received from Bosasa in the form of security upgrades to his home in Gauteng.
However, the NPA didn’t appear to have the same appetite for tackling others damningly exposed in Agrizzi’s testimony: Former President Jacob Zuma, former Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and current chairperson of the ANC Minister Gwede Mantashe, among them.
Now, in case the NPA missed that part of the evidence, Part 3 of the State Capture report details prima facie corruption cases against these big fish.
The report finds that corruption was Bosasa’s way of doing business. It shamelessly bribed politicians and government officials.
Clear cases have been made requiring answers from senior politicians and officials. They will not provide these answers unless forced to do so by a properly resourced NPA which is seen to be acting without fear or favour.
If this does not happen, the final word on the State Capture Commission will be citizens’ losing even more faith in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
When the people see that there are real consequences for crooks (including former and present leaders) South Africa will stand a chance of reducing crime and violence in its communities.
Similarly, when the people see that senior positions in government are reserved for people of integrity, unlike those against whom damning evidence was heard by the State Capture Commission, it will begin to restore faith in our politicians and their stewardship of the country.
Media enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 5183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samkelo Mgobozi, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0792315977 (whatsapp)/0829684021 (calls)
Email: samm@forgood.org.za