DA backs bid to save Scorpions
18/03/2008 19:14  - (SA)  

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Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance has come out in support of a businessman's attempt to seek an interdict from Pretoria High Court to stop the disbanding of the Scorpions crime-fighting unit.

The respondents in the matter include President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Safety and Security, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, the head of the Directorate of Special Prosecutions, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

In a statement issued by Hugh Glenister of Johannesburg, he argues that the disbandment of the unit would "not be rationally connected to a legitimate governmental purpose".

He said it also would be a violation of the government's constitutional obligations to initiate new legislation in a constitutionally admissible way and to uphold the rights of every South African to life, dignity, property and security.

"Just call me a concerned citizen," said Glenister. "I believe our constitutional rights are being violated and Parliament is being undermined by this reckless desire to destroy a functioning institution.

"The citizens of South Africa - particularly the poor - and our economy are essentially living in a state of emergency with crime levels what they are. This act is akin to dismantling our arsenal in the middle of a war," he said.

DA welcomes court challenge

The DA has said that dismantling the unit would be a "grave mistake".

DA spokesperson Dianne Kohler-Barnard said: "While we cannot prejudge the outcome of the case, we fully support the principle of taking further action in this regard," said.

The DA has welcomed Glenister's challenge, she said.

"Mr Glenister is supported by the almost 30 000 South African citizens who have thus far signed the online petition to retain the Scorpions under the National Prosecuting Authority," said Kohler-Barnard.

"We encourage more people to sign the petition to show the widespread support that the general public has for the Scorpions - a unit that has been highly successful in the fight against organised and sophisticated crime."