MEMBER'S STATEMENT
Mr Hennie Bekker MP
National Assembly

7 May 2008

Madame Speaker,

Two days ago the news broke that Leonard McCarthy, the Head of the Directorate of Special Operations - the Scorpions - had been appointed as the head of the World Bank's anti-corruption unit.

The IFP would like to wholeheartedly congratulate Adv McCarthy on this achievement. It clearly shows that the quality, dedication and integrity of DSO personnel are recognised worldwide. In fact, Robert Zoelick, the President of the World Bank heaped the following praise on Adv McCarthy:

"Leonard McCarthy is known around the world for his integrity, independence and effectiveness in the fight against corruption and strengthening good governance"

What a pity our own government does not recognise a man on whom such a high honour has been bestowed!

It is known that other top DSO personnel have already left the Scorpions - some to work for SARS and the private sector, and others for foreign governments, including that of Australia. They clearly have no problem with the quality and professionalism of DSO personnel.

Madame Speaker,

Government's insistence on breaking up the DSO does not rhyme with the facts and is in fact an indictment of government's seriousness in fighting corruption. Using the DSO as a political football to settle factional scores will have dire consequences for our country, least of which is the message it sends to criminals and corrupt persons in the public and private sector.

All it says is that SA is open for the business of crime, and no one is watching the store!

Thank you.