Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbite by Janho Engelbrecht MP.
During a Correctional Services Portfolio Committee meeting this week, the ANC managed to halt the revival of the parliamentary inquiry into the escape of convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) vehemently disagrees. We believe that critical questions remain unanswered, leaving Parliament’s constitutional oversight role unfulfilled.
A particularly important aspect of this inquiry, still outstanding, is the Integritron report, as Integritron is the service provider responsible for the camera and recording system at the prison. There was clearly tampering with the system, the adequacy and integrity of this system are pivotal to understanding the escape and ensuring accountability. Furthermore, the role of SAPS officials in Bester’s arrest and release months before he was finally apprehended abroad and extradited remains unanswered.
During the Correctional Services Committee meeting on October 29, 2024, the DA highlighted these concerns while receiving a briefing from the Parliamentary Legal Services regarding the Public Protector’s report on the Bester escape. The DA expressed frustration over the narrow scope of the Public Protector’s findings, which limits accountability for those involved. Even if remedial actions are pursued, the focus on specific issues leaves many unanswered questions.
The ongoing unfinished business of the inquiry exacerbates the problem of unaccountability. To prevent similar incidents in the future, it is essential to hold all responsible parties accountable through a comprehensive inquiry.
Despite public expectations and the DA’s reasonable requests to complete the inquiry, some ANC committee members resisted fulfilling Parliament’s constitutional duties, raising questions about their motivations.
As a party committed to upholding the rule of law, we will persist in our efforts to resume the inquiry, ensuring that Parliament exercises its oversight role and holds those involved in Thabo Bester’s escape accountable.