The United Democratic Movement has instructed its lawyers to consult on legal steps preventing the Scorpions from being dissolved. Adriaan Basson spoke to UDM leader Bantu Holomisa about his party’s decision.
Why is the UDM trying to block the disbandment of the Scorpions?
It was a hasty decision taken by the ruling party. It was uncalled for, especially seen against the number of important people who are being investigated by the Scorpions [at least nine ANC national executive committee members were or are under investigation].
The decision is having a demoralising effect on our people. We are anticipating that the ANC will push through the legislation, irrespective of what the public says.
Are you going to wait for the parliamentary process to be completed before doing something?
I asked the lawyers to check on that.
We will decide if it’s better to say ‘hands off the Scorpions†now or if we should wait until the public is invited to comment.
Remember that this thing already has an effect on the morale of [Scorpions] investigators. People are unsure about their futures and might be looking for other options.
On what grounds will you challenge the ANC’s resolution?
Let’s wait and find out what the lawyers say. Perhaps we will look at the rights enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the rights around freedom and the security of citizens.
If the decision [to disband the Scorpions] compromises the security of citizens, we might oppose that.
What do you think of the ANC’s reasons for wanting to disband the Scorpions?
They have not advanced any reasons thus far.
They even confirmed that they haven’t read the Khampepe Commission’s report that recommended that the Directorate of Special Operations [the Scorpions] should stay in the National Prosecuting Authority, but that its investigative arm should report to the minister of safety and security for political accountability.
The ANC Youth League recently accused you of being used by the apartheid regime against the ANC and that you are again being used to destabilise the country.
Yes, I was head of the Transkei government that formed part of the apartheid structure — but they ignore the role this [Transkei] government played.
They are the ones busy eating the carcass of the National Party, sleeping with the architects of divide and rule who committed all those atrocities.
The ANC is busy chowing that carcass, not me.