Alliance condemns Zuma raids

2005-08-25 20:15

Johannesburg - The tripartite alliance on Thursday condemned the recent "highhanded" raids by the Scorpions on the homes of axed deputy president Jacob Zuma.

"The alliance disapproves of the highhanded search and seizure operations at the homes of the African National Congress deputy president, including his lawyer's offices," said the alliance secretariat.

"This is inconsistent with the NPA (national prosecuting authority) Act, which urges that the Scorpions must perform its duties fearlessly, but with sensitivity to privacy and the dignity of the affected persons."

The Scorpions raided Zuma's residence last week in search of evidence for the corruption charges against him.

On Wednesday, NPA head Vusi Pikoli defended the heavily-armed raids, saying they were a normal operational requirement.

Pikoli said the purpose of the raid was definitely not to embarrass or humiliate Zuma.

Media 'appeared to have been co-ordinated'

The alliance was also concerned about the manner in which the media appeared to have been "co-ordinated to ensure public ventilation of even the details of the search and seizure operations".

The secretariat would officially communicate these complaints and concerns to Pikoli.

"As the builders of this democracy we will continue to support and respect institutions of democracy, even as we continue to transform them so that they reflect the values underpinning our democracy."

Senior members of the SA Communist party, African National Congress, Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the SA National Civic Organisation met for several hours on Wednesday to discuss the controversy susrrounding Zuma.

The meeting came after Cosatu's central committee resolved to call on President Thabo Mbeki to ensure corruption charges against Zuma are dropped. It also wanted Mbeki to reinstate Zuma as his deputy.

More engagement needed

Some Cosatu members believe there is a politically inspired conspiracy to stop Zuma from becoming the next president of the ANC because he is thought to be too close to the working class.

Cosatu formally tabled these resolutions at the meeting and it was agreed that further engagement was needed on the matter.

The secretariat described Wednesday's talks as frank, fruitful and constructive.

It said the meeting's point of departure was that the unity of the ANC and the alliance was of paramount importance.

The alliance also reaffirmed its support for Zuma.

"The alliance meeting further endorsed the decisions of the ANC NGC (national general council) on the place and role of the ANC deputy president.

"We particularly endorsed the decision that the collective and individual leaders of our movement must be respected at all times."

The meeting also agreed that the president and the deputy president of the republic must be accorded respect.

Since Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has become deputy president, there have been walkouts and protests over Zuma's dismissal at gatherings she has addressed.

'Fissures are a priority'

The alliance repeated its commitment to the rule of law, the supremacy of the constitution, the principle of presumption of innocence, and the need for state institutions to respect the rights and dignity of all citizens.

On impressions about the Zuma saga, it was agreed to continue to assess the basis of these, which had not helped the common unity and purpose of the movement, it said.

"The alliance meeting agreed the management of the fissures created by developments around the ANC deputy president is a priority, and we are committed and confident that collectively we will resolve all these."

It was agreed that another 10-a-side alliance meeting would be held in the coming weeks to discuss other matters of common interest.

- SAPA