7 March 2001
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Dr Penuell Maduna, has noted with surprise a statement on the SABC made by Judge Willem Heath where he accused the government of "sabotaging the Special Investigating Unit".
In the interview with the SABC, the Judge is quoted as saying: "since Justice Minister Penuell Maduna has taken over the portfolio little or nothing was referred to the Unit".
This allegation is far fetched. Howl can government after establishing a Unit such as this one, turn around and sabotage its very existence. "It will be something ludicrous indeed, for any soberminded person to do. As the Ministry has always committed itself to the work of the Unit. The government has for instance defended the existence of the Unit during a legal challenge on the Constitutionality of the Unit brought by some attorneys before the Constitutional court.
The government was under no obligation to refer each and every new case to the Unit for investigations. There are other agencies in place such as the Public Protector, the Scorpions, Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Auditor General and the Police who can also investigate similar cases. The question whether to refer a new case to the Unit or not is in terms of the Act, the President's discretion.
The Minister has no clue as to where these allegations emated from. The Minister is indeed puzzled.
DEATH THREATS
The Minister has furthermore learned that the Judge said: "he had feared for his life and the safety of his family" This was never raised with the Minister before except what the Ministry heard over the radio this morning. The Minister however, wishes to urge the Judge to lay a charge with the nearest police station so that such threats could be investigated.
"This government is opposed to all forms of intimidations or victimisations. Indeed we will deal with anyone who intimidate any citizen in this country", the Minister said.
ISSUED BY PAUL SETSETSE ON BEHALF OF MINISTER MADUNA
Pretoria
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