The judgement in the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption case should be ”interpreted” and lead to future investigations and prosecutions, said United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa, on Saturday.
”There is no doubt that the judgement by Justice (Hilary) Squires must be interpreted and must result in future investigations and prosecutions,” Holomisa said in a speech prepared for delivery at a youth rally in Umtata.
”The revelation of Mr [Jacob] Zuma’s relationship with Schabir Shaik has had a massive impact on the political landscape,” said Holomisa.
”It is a pity that not only has the country been brought into disrepute, but now we see increasing signs of instability.”
Earlier this month, Shaik was found guilty of fraud and corruption and was also found to have had a generally corrupt relationship with Deputy President Jacob Zuma.
President Thabo Mbeki last week fired Zuma after calls from opposition parties for him to step down as deputy president.
The timing of the scandal was ”terrible” because it came at a time when the nation was demanding quality service delivery, Holomisa said.
”Undoubtedly the focus of the ruling party will not be on service delivery now, but rather on infighting over the leadership succession.”
He said no one could predict who else will be exposed in the arms deal scandal as rumour had it that Shaik, Zuma and former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni were not the only people involved.
”However, we must also look beyond the current implications for Shaik, Zuma and internal ANC divisions. The time has come to look at the constitution and electoral laws and consider separate elections for the President,” said Holomisa.
He also called on the President to hold a youth summit to address the concerns of the ANC Youth League, whose members had protested against the sacking of Zuma. – Sapa