Publication: The Star Issued: Date: 2007-09-25 Reporter: Jovial Rantao Reporter: Karyn Maughan Reporter: Sapa

Why Mbeki Booted Pikoli

 

Publication 

The Star
Date

2007-09-25

Reporter

 Jovial Rantao, Karyn Maughan, Sapa

Web Link

www.thestar.co.za

  

Top prosecutor to be axed 'for failing to rein in Scorpions'

President Thabo Mbeki is going to fire National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli.

Impeccable sources have independently stated that Mbeki's suspension of Pikoli, announced yesterday, is a prelude to sacking him.

The Star has been told that Pikoli's illustrious career has come to an end because of his failure to control the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), also known as the Scorpions.

Sources say Mbeki took action against Pikoli because the DSO had been found to have engaged in illegal intelligence gathering activities that led to the Browse Report, which claimed that presidential hopeful Jacob Zuma's campaign was being funded by African heads of state.

Leaked to the media, the mysterious report claimed that Zuma was being financed by Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. It also claimed Umkhonto weSizwe veterans were planning a coup d'etat.

The Star has been told that the source of the Browse Report was a private security company contracted by the Scorpions. The Star cannot, at this stage, name the security company, which is owned by security officials from the apartheid era.

The Scorpions are not allowed to conduct any intelligence operations. Only the National Intelligence Agency, its units and the SA Police Service crime intelligence units are legally allowed to conduct intelligence operations.

The sources say the Scorpions have also been in breach of national security by providing classified information to private companies with no security clearance.

The Star understands that the security company in question was also the source of allegations to date unproven that Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi was linked to crime syndicates.

This is the same company that was granted permission by the Scorpions to raid the SAPS crime intelligence offices in Pretoria. The raid did not occur.

In acting against Pikoli, Mbeki is seen to be answering criticism from Zuma supporters who have claimed that state institutions are being used to prevent him from becoming the ANC's and South Africa's next president.

Sources say Pikoli has been warned many times to rein in the Scorpions, and when he did not comply, Mbeki was forced to act.

"He was warned against them and he allowed the situation to continue, leaving the authorities (the president) with no option," said one source.

Pikoli is the fourth security official to step aside under Mbeki's rule. His predecessor, Bulelani Ngcuka, resigned under a cloud; former NIA director-general Billy Masetlha was suspended and then fired he is contesting his dismissal in court; and ex-SA National Defence Force boss Siphiwe Nyanda resigned to join the world of business, but many believe he was pushed.

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko yesterday said Pikoli had been suspended following an "irretrievable breakdown" in the working relationship between him and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla.

Pikoli will be subjected to an inquiry and his deputy, Mokotedi Mpshe, will take over as acting National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Senior state advocates have reacted with shock to news of Pikoli's suspension and questioned the reasons for the move and its lawfulness.

"We are all totally devastated," a senior prosecutor said. "It is a massive shock."

He added: "Vusi has always operated at the highest level of competence and professionalism *1."

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Pikoli's suspension had "immense national implications".

She said the DA would request the justice portfolio committee to be recalled as soon as possible for a full briefing on Mbeki's decision. The committee is currently on a three week recess.

The SA Communist Party said "shifting people around" was not enough as the entire NPA needed an overhaul "very seriously".

With acknowledgements to Jovial Rantao, Karyn Maughan, Sapa and The Star.


*1       One of the most senior directors of the NPA once said "
"Vusi Pikoli would investigate his own mother".
Mother is fine, but when one's investigations get too close to No. 1, then one gets suspended and then sacked.