by DION HENRICK
CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – THE handing over of three reports from the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture must pave way for the prosecution of those accused in the scandal and eradicating corruption in South Africa.
This is according to John Steenhuisen, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA).
His sentiments follow the handing over of the first of three reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
“Our nation must now embark on the arduous journey of ridding our country of impunity and political unaccountability by charging the accused, placing them behind bars, and eradicating the scourge of ANC corruption once and for all,” Steenhuisen said.
ANC is an acronym of the African National Congress, which has been in power since the demise of apartheid in 1994.
Steenhuisen called on Ramaphosa to urgently table the first Zondo Report in Parliament so the legislative wing of government can study its findings and take the necessary remedial action.
“Together with the DA’s Shadow Cabinet, I have begun studying the reports extensively to determine what action needs to be taken in this regard.”
The remaining parts of the report are to be submitted by February 28.
Ramaphosa said he would table the entire report by June 30.
Steenhuisen recounted “countless” Commissions of Inquiry, investigations, and reports over the years which have led to no prosecutions and no consequences for those implicated.
“The DA will ensure that Judge Raymond Zondo’s findings, after a four-year-long Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, are implemented,” he said.
The report has recommended the prosecution of a number of individuals implicated in the State Capture, the alleged systemic political corruption said to have occurred under the presidency of Jacob Zuma between 2009 and 2018.
The Zondo judicial commission spent almost four years probing the allegations.
– CAJ News