6 July 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party has called on the newly launched Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), which officially takes over organised crime investigations from the Scorpions today, to ensure that they emulate the success of the former elite crime fighting unit, the Scorpions. 

Government's disbandment of the Scorpions, which boasted a 94% conviction rate, caused an outcry among opposition parties and the public at large. 

"The Scorpions' successful track record spoke for itself and that is why the IFP fought tooth and nail to keep the Scorpions. But now that there is a new crime-fighting body, we call on them not to let us down, but to ensure that they too become experts in the fight against organised crime in South Africa," said Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP's Safety and Security spokesperson. 

Meanwhile, the IFP has called on Anwa Dramat, the new head of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, to ensure that his unit acts without fear or favour at all times. 

"We believe that one of the major challenges facing the new DPCI will be to establish its autonomy, which the IFP believes has been considerably reduced by its location within the Department of Police. 

Furthermore, we sincerely hope that the new unit will be strong enough to resist political influence and bold enough to take on anyone, even the most powerful figures in our country," said Ndlovu. 

Finally, Ndlovu has urged the DPCI to finalise pending cases as soon as possible. 

"The Minister of Police has indicated that 639 cases being investigated by the former Scorpions unit will transferred to the new directorate today. We urge the new unit to complete these cases as matter of urgency. The finalisation of these pending cases will also be a good indication on whether or not the new unit has the skills and capacity to deal with these cases successfully," concluded Ndlovu.