In a significant development, former Brigadier Jap Burger of the South African Police Service (SAPS) testified before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) today. Burger, who was subpoenaed, addressed allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities, shedding light on maladministration at Eskom.
The hearing stems from a process initiated in April, when SCOPA called former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter to provide evidence on private intelligence reports related to crime, corruption, and procurement issues at Eskom power stations.
De Ruyter’s claims of widespread malfeasance, coupled with assertions that SAPS and the Hawks failed to act on the provided information, prompted SCOPA to summon Fannie Masemola and Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya. Lebeya denied knowledge of De Ruyter’s information, while Masemola initially claimed ignorance of Brigadier Burger’s whereabouts, a claim later revealed as a misrepresentation.
During today’s hearing, Brig Burger emphasised that “State Capture” remains prevalent in government entities, citing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as an example. He highlighted the lack of political leadership, will, and capacity within SAPS to effectively combat corruption at Eskom.
The revelation raises questions about the absence of coherent policies and guidelines to address corruption in critical national institutions.
The DA pledges to seek clarity and accountability, advocating for the establishment of effective anti-corruption agencies within SAPS. The party aims to address a historical trend dating back to the early 2000s, where effective teams tackling corruption have been disbanded, redirecting staff and hindering progress in combating the issue.
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