SIU boss resignation another blow to fight against corruption
27 January 2015
The DA notes the resignation of Special Investigating Unit (SIU) boss, Adv Vas Soni.
This follows reports stating that he has tendered his resignation, allegedly due to "intensely personal reasons. My wife is unwell." Whether or not this is the main reason remains to be seen.
The work done by Adv Soni during his brief tenure will be characterised, in particular, by the SIU investigation into the R246 million upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's personal residence at Nkandla. It must not have been an easy job given Zuma's ANC's extensive political interference in all matters relating to the President and those close to him.
According to sources close to the SIU, the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) second-in-command, Nomgcobo Jiba, is rumoured to be tipped to be Soni's successor. This is the very last individual he should appoint to head up the SIU
If President Jacob Zuma appoints Jiba as SIU boss it will be the death of yet another crucial anti-crime and corruption unit.
Jiba has had a chequered career in the NPA. She has been preoccupied with quick and easy access to power in exchange for political favours for President Zuma. In so doing she has not only destroyed her own credibility, but has helped to destroy one of the crucial institutions of our democracy.
Jiba has systematically done all in her power to continue the assault on the prosecutorial independence by ensuring President Zuma and those close to him are shielded from accountability.
Jiba is an affront to our constitutional democracy and is evidently not a fit and proper person to hold any office at our nations criminal justice institutions.
After the long-standing state capture of the NPA, and the recent politically motivated suspensions at SARS, it would appear that the SIU is set to be the latest victim of a politically expedient ANC in government whose sole fixation seems to be to protect Number 1 and his deepening network of patronage.
This is the wanton disregard for our state institutions we have come to expect from President Zuma's government.
President Zuma must not appoint Jiba to the SIU and must arrest the double-speak on fighting corruption. He should use this opportunity to appoint someone independent who conducts investigations without fear, favour or prejudice.
Our criminal justice system is in rapid decay and the President must do all in his power to ensure that the rot Jiba has caused at the NPA is not allowed to contaminate the SIU.
Statement issued by Glynnis Breytenbach MP, DA Shadow Minister of Justice, January 27 2015
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