/ 3 November 2006

Scorpions raid homes of former Limpopo premier

The Directorate of Special Operations of the National Prosecuting Authority has raided two homes of former Limpopo premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi, he said in a statement on Friday.

”Two houses belonging to me, in Polokwane and Tshwane, were yesterday morning [Thursday] raided by members of the Directorate of Special Operations of the National Prosecuting Authority, known as the Scorpions,” said Ramatlhodi.

”These raids are the latest in a series of events, stretching back to 2003, relating to allegations made against me with respect to alleged corruption in Limpopo,” he said in a statement released by the African National Congress’s Steyn Speed.

”I stand firmly opposed to any form of corrupt or criminal activity. I respect and uphold the responsibility of the relevant organs of the state to thoroughly investigate all credible allegations of such activity, and have therefore maintained my readiness to assist the Scorpions or any other agency in their investigations.

”However, the conduct of this investigation and the surfacing of various allegations against me in the media over the past three years has been highly prejudicial,” Ramatlhodi said.

The manner in which the Scorpions have conducted their investigation over the course of the past three years has prejudiced him professionally, politically and socially, the former premier said.

He said their actions are inconsistent with the principles of dignity and fair treatment enshrined in the Constitution.

”Until I have had an opportunity to study the affidavits used in obtaining these search warrants — which I will be seeking from the Scorpions — there is no further comment that can be made at this stage,” he added. — I-Net Bridge