SIU appointment a test for Zuma - DA
2013-01-28 16:50
Johannesburg - The appointment of a permanent Special
Investigating Unit (SIU) head will test President Jacob Zuma's credibility, the
DA said on Monday.
"Under acting head advocate Nomvula Mokhatla, the
unit has been plagued by allegations of politicisation and irregular
appointments, to the point where we have requested the public protector to
investigate," DA MP Debbie Schafer said in a statement.
"If the president is truly serious about fighting
corruption, the person he appoints must be independent and prepared to
investigate without fear or favour, have the qualifications and experience
required... have the leadership qualities necessary... and be a person whose
integrity is beyond question."
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said a permanent head should
be appointed by the end of February.
President Jacob Zuma appointed deputy National Director
of Public Prosecutions, advocate Mokhatla, to act as SIU head in
December 2011.
Mokhatla took over from Nomgcobo Jiba, who had been
acting in the position since SIU head advocate Willem Heath resigned.
Schafer said the DA was sceptical an appointment would be
made by then.
"We will believe that when we see it. Minister
Radebe told parliament back in August last year that the appointment was
'imminent'. We are still waiting," she said.
- SAPA
