Scorpions: Open hearings hailed

2005-10-05 20:47

Johannesburg - The SA National Editors Forum (Sanef) and the Democratic Alliance have welcomed Judge Sisi Khampepe's ruling on Wednesday to keep the hearings into the Scorpion's future open to the public.

Sanef media freedom spokesperson Ferial Haffajee said: "The editors believe this decision shows the commitment of the judiciary to the human rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa.

"These are the rights to free expression, media freedom and the right of the public to information, transparency and open justice."

Judge Khampepe's ruling followed an SA Police Service application for the hearings to be held in camera, claiming evidence to be led was sensitive and could have an impact on national security and crime investigations.

After hearing the police arguments on specific issues not to be made public, Judge Khampepe found that compelling reasons to exclude the public had not been advanced.

Scorpions' future of 'profound importance'

DA spokesperson Sheila Camerer said Judge Khampepe had made the correct decision.

"Her decision is a victory for the principles of accountability and transparency."

Camerer said the future of the Scorpions was of profound importance to the people of South Africa.

"They have been proved to be a vital asset in the fight against crime.

"Their prosecution-led approach has been particularly effective in combating highly sophisticated crime syndicates."

Camerer said that if the Scorpions were to be included in the police, "this vital aspect would be lost".

President Thabo Mbeki appointed the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry to examine whether the directorate of special operations - known as the Scorpions - should remain within the jurisdiction of the national prosecuting authority or instead stay within the police service.

- SAPA