Hope for Scorpions?

2008-02-08 13:42

Cape Town - Opposition parties have expressed optimism about the future of the Scorpions detective unit following President Mbeki's State of the Nation Address on Friday.

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa welcomed Mbeki's remark that the Khampepe Judicial Commission's proposals would be taken into account when the future of the Scorpion was being considered.

"There is relief in the sense that we may not have to follow what the ANC leadership had said about the Scorpions."

Even though Mbeki did not give much of detail on the Scorpions, it was encouraging that he did not reiterate the ANC's call for the Scorpions to disband, said Holomisa.

Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi was of the view that Mbeki had said everything he was expected to say.

"I was impressed by the fact that - even though he did not give enough details - he indirectly mentioned the issue of the Scorpions," Buthelezi said.

"In my view it was one of the best speeches he had ever made."

Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder said he was happy Mbeki had touched on the issue of the Scorpions, but added that he had expected more.

In his speech Mbeki said the future of the Scorpions would be known by the end of next month.

"Informed by the imperative to intensify the offensive against organised crime, as well as the recommendations of the Khampepe Judicial Commission on the functioning and location of the Directorate of Special Operations and continuing reflections on this matter, we shall by the end of March this year, interact with Parliament on legislation and other decisive measures required further to enhance our capacity to fight organised crime," Mbeki said.

- SAPA