DA hands in over 2,000 written submissions and 98,000 signatures opposing Scorpions closure

Today the Democratic Alliance (DA) submitted over 2 000 written submissions received from the public in opposition to the proposed closure of the Scorpions. We undertook to do so in light of the overwhelming public opposition to the ANC's misdirected and political motivated decision to disband the Scorpions.

In addition to the written submissions, the DA also handed in the names of more than 98 000 members of the public who have either signed a written petition, an on-line petition stared by Hugh Glenister or took part in the SMS campaign - Save the Scorpions.  

Today was the deadline for public submissions commenting on the South African Police Service Amendment bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment bill - the two items of legislation that seek to close the Scorpions and create a new unit under police control.

The degree to which the public responded to calls for submissions has been overwhelming and is a clear indication of just how strongly the public opposes the closing of the Scorpions.

The government simply cannot continue to process the two bills in the face of such clear public opposition without confirming their contempt for the wishes of the public. Here are some examples of what people have said in their submissions:

• "I strongly oppose the disbandment of the Scorpions.  We must not allow criminals to be protected by the Government.  There are obviously some top officials of the ANC that cannot sleep well at night knowing the Scorpions' success rate!";
• "I am saddened by fact that our President and the ANC government would want to legislate to disestablish the Scorpions when it is clear knowledge that our national and provincial government is infected with corrupt officials";
• "Why can't the ANC genuinely act in the best interests of all the people of this country? It is as if the ANC Manifesto is just a meaningless piece of paper. Surely the ANC can see that if it supports criminals in its ranks it will ultimately undermine the whole organisation? It amazes me just how much the ANC is beginning to resemble the Nationalist Party!"

In addition to the public submissions and petition signatures, the DA has also made its own submission and will continue to oppose the closure of the Scorpions throughout the parliamentary process.

The DA calls upon the public to continue their opposition to the closure of the Scorpions during the public hearings taking place in the provinces from 11 to 15 August 2008.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on safety and security, July 28 2008