Publication: Independent Online Issued: Date: 2006-09-30 Reporter: Angela Quintal Reporter:

Scorpion Stung in Corruption Probe

 

Publication 

Independent Online

Date

2006-09-30

Reporter

 Angela Quintal

Web Link

www.iol.co.za

 

The Scorpions have stung another of their own, arresting in Sandton a top Gauteng State advocate for alleged corruption and extortion.

In his annual report to Parliament for the 2005/06 financial year tabled recently, NPA head Vusi Pikoli said he had taken an oath to "uphold and protect the Constitution and enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice... I'm a proud prosecutor and want all prosecutors in this organisation to be as proud".

However, information had emerged that implicated a few of the country's prosecutors in corrupt activities.

"While these incidents are few and receiving the necessary attention to ensure the perpetrators are severely dealt with, I'm of the view that even one incident is one too many for the NPA.

"Investigations and prosecutions are under way," Pikoli wrote.

On Friday, the NPA announced that a senior State advocate stationed at the Scorpion's Gauteng regional office had been arrested on Thursday night for alleged corruption, defeating the ends of justice, extortion and contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.

She is due to appear in court on Monday.

"At the time of arrest the suspect had in her possession a large amount of money believed to have been paid to her on behalf of awaiting trial prisoners in a criminal matter to make it 'go away' *1," the NPA said.

"The NDPP is angry and disappointed by the alleged conduct of the State advocate who is a member of the unit that is at the forefront of the fight against corruption... if found guilty we will recommend the harshest punishment possible."

The NPA was working to root out corruption, fraud and all other crimes "and shall deal mercilessly with such criminality when it rears its ugly head in our own ranks".

With acknowledgement to Angela Quintal and Independent On Line.


*1       One can but wonder how much Thomson-CSF have paid all and sundry to make it go away.