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DA: Statement by Debbie Schafer, Democratic Alliance shadow deputy minister of justice and constitutional development, on the removal of Willie Hofmeyr as head of the SIU (29/11/2011)
President Zuma's shock sacking of Willie Hofmeyr as Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raises serious concerns in the fight against corruption.
President Zuma today appointed former Judge Willem Heath as head of the SIU with immediate effect. He has clearly not forgotten Heath’s legal advice and support during his corruption trial.
Of great concern is the lack of reasons given for this decision. According to the SIU’s recent Annual Report, the unit had its best year ever last year.
Given Hofmeyr's obviously excellent work in combating corruption in both government and elsewhere there can be no justification for this decision. Hofmeyr is clearly seen as too independent of the executive.
One also cannot avoid the speculation that his assistance in the Public Protector’s investigation involving Cabinet Ministers and the National Police Commissioner have hit too close to home for the ruling party.
Hofmeyr has been under threat for some time now by National Director of Public Prosecutions Adv. Menzi Simelane, and now he will be at his mercy in the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Heath has been working in the office of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development as adviser, which does not assist the perception of independence.
In the light of Cabinet's recent obscure decision to assess the Constitutional Court, this is clearly consistent with the on-going Zumafication of the judiciary and independent state institutions exercising oversight over the executive.
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