Chairperson, the issue of political killings has been a scourge that this country fought from 1994 to 1996, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is a matter that we take very seriously. Therefore, when an hon member from Cope stands here to say that there are death threats against certain members of his party, or of citizens of the country who reside in KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to think that members' statements are required to be based on fact and truth. [Interjections.] I hope there is fact and truth in what he is saying, because if there is, I would have wanted the member to have indicated that this information has been made available to the police. I hope he is not using the space that is provided here for political purposes. This is a very serious matter and we all need to be very concerned about it. [Interjections.]
I wanted to say, also, that I find it sheer opportunism ...
Madam Chair, I rise on a point of order: My statement specifically said we reported this to the Minister of Police. I said that in my statement. She was not listening! [Interjections.]
The police have the executive responsibility for dealing with cases. I hope that the matter has been reported to the police. [Interjections.]
Will you please be quiet? Yes, continue, Minister.
Secondly, my point is that I would like to ensure that this matter has been reported to the police, that a file has been opened ...
Madam Speaker, on a point of order: There is an investigating officer on the case!
Hon Speaker, the hon Lekota must respect the Rules of Parliament and not be rowdy! [Interjections.]
Hon members, will you please be quiet - on both sides - so the Minister can finish what she has to say?
Thank you. I was asserting that I hope that the matter has been reported to the police, because political killings are a very serious problem that we would like to put behind us.
Secondly, I wanted to say that I find it sheer political opportunism that the hon member stands here and says that in terms of the Constitution, only the Defence Force and the police are allowed to wear a uniform, and whatever it is, when in fact, as the Minister, he had the responsibility for 10 years to have ensured that the enabling legislation that he is talking about was put in place. [Applause.] What is he standing up to say here, when he had the responsibility to deal with the matter? [Interjections.]
Madam Chair, I rise on a point of order.
Is that a point of order? If not, please sit down. [Interjections.]
Madam Chair, I rise on a point of order: The hon Minister must withdraw the statement that I am opportunistic. [Interjections.]
That is not a point of order.
It is a point of order! [Interjections.] I am asking her to withdraw, because ... [Interjections.]
That is not a point of order! [Interjections.]
Madam Chair, please hear my point of order! [Interjections.]
It is not a point of order!
It is a point of order when she makes an allegation that is not founded on facts. [Interjections.]
It is not a point of order.
Hon House Chairperson, who has the right to make rulings in this House? The hon Lekota has no right under the Rules of this Parliament. [Interjections.] He has to sit down and keep quiet now.
All right. Will you please sit down now? [Interjections.]
Hon House Chair ...
Mrs Kilian, will you please take your seat?
On a point of order ...
Will you please take your seat?
On a point of order, Madam House Chair - I have the right to speak on a point of order. [Interjections.]
Yes, I will give you a chance. Will you please take your seat? Are there any other ministerial responses? [Interjections.]