Speaker, over time organised crime in South Africa has become more sophisticated, so much so that government institutions and individuals are participating in these misdemeanours.
The Prevention of Organised Crime Act was enacted in South Africa to combat this crime. The state and executive are therefore compelled to implement and enforce this with vigour. Cope is appalled by the fact that the current premier and the former MEC of Sport, Ace Magashule, has skilfully helped himself to state funds before our very eyes.
With the building of the multipurpose centre in 2008 in the Free State, Ace and his colleague set up a company through which they allegedly launder money meant for the multipurpose centre. The company, Phenomenal Architects, was established by Ace's associate to warehouse and pay the money secretly. This company was appointed, again, by the Ngwathe Municipality as a principal agent for various projects in the district. This company is not even registered with the SA Chamber of Business, Sacob.
Cope wants urgent attention to be paid to this in order to nip this looting of state resources in the bud. We are horrified that Ace and his friends are allegedly allowed to squander money while the citizens ...
Is that a point of order?
Yes, hon Speaker. The information the member is presenting to the House is information relevant to the police, not to the House. [Laughter.]
Hon member, please take your seat.
Chairperson, I just want to request ...
Hon member, please take your seat. I have not recognised you.
On a point of order ...
Okay. What's your point of order?
The point of order is that this has now become a strategy of the ANC to disrupt our members during members' statements. We want injury time, please. Thank you. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
Continue, hon member - and finish.
Speaker, for your information it has been reported. I want to say that we are horrified that Ace and his friends have allegedly been allowed to squander while the citizens of this country suffer as a result of poor service delivery. Thank you.