A review of the Scorpions elite detective unit was about redefining its mandate and not about disbanding it, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakukla said on Tuesday.
He said the justice department would be asked to draw up a memorandum on the matter that would be discussed by Cabinet.
”It is (the review) on what they do and what the police do — not whether they are closed down or not. That is not the discussion,” Nqakula told reporters in Pretoria.
The Scorpions, which falls under the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which in turn reports to the justice ministry, has come under fire in the past week for alleged leaks to the media about its investigations.
These related to an arms deal probe into Deputy President Jacob Zuma and an investigation into former transport minister Mac Maharaj.
Last week, President Thabo Mbeki said ”inherent” tensions between the SA Police Service and the Scorpions had to be dealt with.
He said the problem was a structural one, and a possible alternative was the Scorpions becoming a specialised police unit.
Briefing reporters on the recent Cabinet lekgotla or planning session, Nqakula said the objective was to get clarity on what particular matters the Scorpions should focus on.
”This not about the future existence of the Scorpions but (about) what they do and what the police do.”
Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi indicated on Monday that a thorough review of the Scorpions was underway.
”We have a sense of where there are complexities and where there may be duplications and are looking at this quite closely,” she said.
Nqakula said on Tuesday conflict had arisen because of duplication in the activities of the Scorpions and that of the police. That was why their respective mandates had to be cleared up. – Sapa