IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 
MR VELAPHI NDLOVU MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

5th May 2008

"The IFP would like to categorically state that we reject the closure of the Directorate of Special Operations and that we fully agree with the findings of the Khampepe Commission, which recommends that the Scorpions be retained within the National Prosecuting Authority", said the IFP's Spokesperson on Safety and Security, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP.

Mr Ndlovu today said that the closure of the Scorpions has got nothing to do with bolstering the fight against crime - as Government claims - but that the ruling party's rush to silence the Scorpions gives the impression of settling scores within the ANC.

"The Inkatha Freedom Party believes that organised crime remains a serious threat, and we therefore consider the Executive's disregard of Judge Sisi Khampepe's recommendations a national disgrace," said Mr Ndlovu.

"Over the past couple of years the Scorpions have done an extraordinary job in combating crime and bringing to book the so called 'untouchable' criminal figures in South Africa. It is clear that the disbandment of the Scorpions is a political decision and not a decision based on merit.

"Furthermore, the IFP believes that by closing down the Scorpions, Government is once again punishing South Africans who are already being punished by excessive crime levels.

"The IFP would like to urge Government to let sanity prevail. The Scorpions should remain an elite unit, as Judge Khampepe recommended, and should be allowed to continue doing their excellent work. We cannot allow the Scorpions to be used as scapegoats to settle political scores," concluded Mr Ndlovu.