TRC investigation will turn into witch hunt

30 June 2021 

The notion to establish a specialist unit whereby the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and The Hawks can investigate, based on a vague set of criteria, crimes from the previous dispensation will turn into a witch hunt.

The FF Plus leader, Dr Pieter Groenewald, addressed written parliamentary questions on the matter to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola. (Complete questions and responses are below)

The criteria, including public interest and requests from family members, that will be used to determine whether cases must be investigated are vague and not based on sound legal principles. It comes down to a witch hunt and it is unacceptable.

Minister Lamola stated, among other things, that a total of 114 cases are being considered and that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) will also be drawn in.

These investigations predominantly involve former members of the country's security forces, like the police service.

It would be unfair to launch new investigations based on a vague and broad framework of possible involvement in crime nearly 19 years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) completed its probes.

Moreover, there are also many people in the ANC camp who are guilty of offences and, thus, they must also be investigated.

It negates the TRC's ideal of reconciliation and is not in the best interest of nation building in South Africa. That chapter must be concluded. That was the main aim of the TRC, after all.

It is senseless to open old wounds while the country has much more serious problems that it needs to address.

There are serious crimes, like farm attacks, that warrant the establishment of specialist investigation teams on which the authorities can spend their time, energy and money.

Questions and responses:

[Dr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services:†

(1) What total number of cases emanating from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (a) does the National Prosecuting Authority intend to refer and/or (b) has it already referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI);

(2) which criteria are used to determine what cases are ultimately referred to the DPCI;

(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?  

NW1843E]

REPLY:

(1) As at 25 May 2021, 55 TRC cases have been referred to the DPP Offices in the jurisdictions where the crimes were committed. These cases are all being investigated by the DPCI. A further 59 cases have been identified as warranting investigation, which will be referred to the regions once there is the necessary capacity in the NPA / DPP Offices.

(2) Cases are referred to the DPCI either because of the public interest which they attract or due to requests being made by relatives of the victims or other interested parties. The cases are referred merely upon request and are not subject to any pre-evaluation process.

(3) Yes, I will make a statement.

ENDS

Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 30 June 2021