POLITICS

Watty Watson doesn't know what he's talking about - ANC

Office of Chief Whip rejects call for removal of Cecile Burgess from chairmanship of JSCI

DA'S CALL FOR REMOVAL OF CECIL BURGESS

24 May 2012

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip unreservedly rejects a call by the Democratic Allance Chief Whip, Mr Watty Watson, for the removal of the Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, Mr Cecil Burgess, from his position. Mr Watson alleges that Mr Burgess interfered with the criminal investigation into Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli by writing a letter demanding the removal of Crime Intelligence employee, Major General Mark Hankel.

The DA's attempt to generate wild and unsubstantiated claims to score cheap political points is both disappointing and appalling. Mr. Burgess has never written a letter calling for the removal of Major General Hankel or interfered in Lieutenant General's investigation as alleged by Mr. Watson.

Mr. Watson will do well to ensure that in future he liaises with his party representatives in the committee and improve his internal party coordination. This will ensure that he is knowledgeable of the issues before the committee before making public statements.

The matter pertaining to Mr Mdluli is currently before the Committee. We therefore appeal to the DA to respect this committee process and desist from engaging with the issue in bad faith.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, May 24 2012

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