MEC for local government Anton Bredell. MEC for local government Anton Bredell.
Cape Town - The DA in the Western Cape has voiced its concern about the alleged political bias of the Hawks after former finance minister Mcebisi Jonas' testimony implicating the Hawks before the Zondo Commission on Friday.
Jonas reportedly alleged meddling by Hawks Head of anti-corruption unit Major-General Zinhle Mnonopi, who wanted "to kill" the investigation on State Capture as it was raised by the DA.
Jonas said his lawyer was present when Mnonopi allegedly made this statement.
MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, who has laid complaints relating to opposition-governed municipalities in the Western Cape, said the comments raised alarm bells on whether the Hawks would properly investigate corruption in the province.
“Over the past five years we have asked the Hawks to investigate serious matters of alleged corruption and maladministration in several towns. These include Beaufort-West, Kannaland, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and George.
"In four of these cases, the complaints related to periods when the councils were led by the ANC, either outright or in coalition. In the case of George – a DA-led Council - I personally requested the Hawks to investigate a procurement matter as we have a zero tolerance approach to instances of alleged corruption, regardless of who is in charge,” said Bredell.
Bredell added that the Hawks have not given feedback on such cases.
“We also do not get progress reports or updates. This leaves us with very limited room to move. The inaction often means there is major instability in some of these councils due to the lack of progress with people that are being investigated.
"These individuals often remain part of the councils. Given the testimony and allegations raised by Mr. Jonas, I am concerned about the independence of the Hawks and the South African Police Service in serving the people of a province led by the DA.”
Bredell is also concerned about what he termed "anti-DA sentiment in criminal justice". He says this may stretch beyond the Hawks.
“We must now ask how far this sentiment goes. The sentiment seems to imply sabotage of the opposition by the Hawks and other investigative authorities. Why do we have a massively under resourced police service despite years of requests for more resources?
"Why do we not see convictions for the arson and sabotage of our rail infrastructure? I can go on. These are all matters that the Province has no operational control over and our requests go unanswered for years”.
Bredell called on the Hawks to provide reassurance on their investigations in the province. “I will take this matter to the Western Cape cabinet for further consideration.”
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