JMPD officers will soon be wearing bodycams, writes Moepeng Talane for CW Voices. The official statement is that these will help discourage them from taking part in corrupt activities and help combat crime. But should we not start with an attitude check and strongly encourage integrity instead?
The discussion paper is out, and members of the public are encouraged to weigh in on proposed changes to whistle-blower protection legislation, by mid-August. Now is the time to air all those concerns and suggestions – the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development wants to hear from you.
Corruption Watch recently appeared as amicus curiae in the case between the Moti Group and investigative journalism organisation AmaBhungane. The Moti Group sought to prevent AmaBhungane from publishing articles in which the group is alleged to have committed corrupt acts – but the order was overturned with an accompanying scolding from the presiding judge.
The Southern African Development Community is fast-tracking measures to fight corruption in the region, with special emphasis on two priority areas – cross-regional co-operation, and public procurement.
Disgraced former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule is in the political wilderness after his expulsion from the party, and with a corruption trial looming. Now he is said to be pursuing relationships with other parties in a bid to present a meaningful challenge in the 2024 general elections.
In mid-June the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or Hawks, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate briefed the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police on progress made in their investigations. Committee members had some serious questions for those representatives present.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) invites written public comments on proposed reforms to South Africa’s legislative whistle-blower protection regime. The proposals follow recommendations made in the Zondo commission’s report, and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s subsequent remarks on the matter in his response to the Zondo recommendations.
Members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts are concerned that the failure by police official Brigadier Jap Burger to appear before it to answer questions relating to the Eskom corruption investigation, is another indication of reluctance to investigate the allegations. Some even went as far as suggesting a cover-up.
The Special Investigating Unit and the Presidency appeared before Parliament earlier in June to discuss the matter of action on report findings and consequence management. SIU head Andy Mothibi said the organisation has developed a debt recovery project which would help it to recoup the R986-million owed to it by errant state institutions.