Speaker, the ACDP welcomes the Constitutional Court judgment in the Glenister matter that found that part of the national legislation that disbanded the Scorpions and created the Hawks was constitutionally invalid in that the Hawks are not sufficiently independent and are vulnerable to political interference.
The ACDP was part of the parliamentary battle to retain the Scorpions, as it was, in our view, a very effective independent anticorruption unit, with a 94% success rate. In our view, it was only disbanded because it was so successful in investigating and prosecuting people with high political connections.
At the time we were also shocked that Members of Parliament, MPs, who were being investigated by the Scorpions were allowed to vote on the disbandment of the very unit that was investigating them. This, we said, was a very clear of conflict of interest.
The ACDP will contribute constructively to ensure that Parliament amends the legislation to secure the independence of the Hawks and to minimise the possibility of political interference. We cannot allow any room for political interference in crime-fighting units committed to combating the scourge of corruption and organised crime in the country.
Lastly, we commend Mr Glenister for his courage and perseverance in going to the highest court of the land. He must indeed feel vindicated by this judgment, which serves as an encouragement to all citizens not only to take a stand to fight crime and corruption, but also to hold government accountable. I thank you.