Criminal Charges: We don't play games with matters this serious

The President is wrong.

His suggestion that by laying criminal charges in connection with the Public Protector's reports regarding the SAPS leases we are acting frivolously, misrepresents and misunderstands the seriousness of our intention.

Whatever action President Zuma has taken in relation to Speaker Max Sisulu does not preclude other actions being taken by anybody with an interest in the matter. The Speaker also has no jurisdiction over criminal offences, so any report to him will not relate to criminal actions.

Claims that our actions are "hasty" and "could jeopardise the government's fight against corruption" make no sense at all.  If anything, we are assisting with the fight against corruption, and our actions were anything but hasty.  We have been waiting since February to hear what the President is going to do about this matter.  

What the President should be telling us, is why, given the importance of the issue, and the fact that he has had most of the facts at his disposal since the first report was issued in February, he was not ready to take action immediately the second report was issued.

Whatever remedial action the President is considering, which we eagerly await, it is abundantly clear that contraventions of legislation have occurred.  There is therefore no compelling reason why he has not himself referred them to the police.

Given the seriousness of the issue, it is imperative that justice be swiftly, certainly and severely meted out to all those implicated, particularly at the highest level of government.  Nobody should be above the law.

It is our responsibility to hold the President to account, and we shall do so with vigour.

Joint statement by Dr Wilmot James MP and Debbie Schafer MP, DA Federal Chairperson and Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, August 9 2011

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