Raymond Zondo Blames Political Interference for Corruption Crisis, SA Wants the Scorpions Reinstated
- Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has weighed in on the corruption crisis engulfing the country
- Zondo blamed political interference and the disbanding of the Scorpions for why corruption is rife in South Africa
- South Africans shared their thoughts about Zondo's comments and the disbanding of the Scorpions
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
Raymond Zondo has slammed the African National Congress for disbanding the Scorpions, saying that the move weakened the criminal justice system.
The Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), commonly known as the Scorpions, were responsible for investigating and prosecuting high-level and priority crimes, including organised crime and corruption.
The unit was formally disbanded in January 2009 by the ANC under Jacob Zuma, and replaced by the Hawks.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
What did Zondo say?
Speaking at the South African Council of Churches’ National Anti-Corruption conference in Johannesburg, the former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said that political interference in law enforcement was hampering the fight against corruption. Zondo retired in August 2024, ending a 27-and-a-half-year judicial career.
He stated that he had little confidence in the Hawks, adding that South Africa could not win the fight against corruption if it didn’t have a capable and effective police force.
The former Chief Justice also criticised the decision to disband the Scorpions, saying that the decision allowed criminality to flourish.
“In the early 2000s, we had the Scorpions, which were very effective in fighting corruption. Criminals had begun to fear them. But in the 2007 ANC elective conference, a resolution was taken to disband them,” he explained.
Zondo criticises Members of Parliament (MPs)
Zondo also criticised the electoral system, saying that because Members of Parliament (MPs) were accountable to their political parties and not the electorate, it contributed to corruption.
“This system gives party bosses too much power. This means that if the party boss wants MPs, who are members of their party, to vote in a certain way, they will control them. The victim is the fight against corruption. Because they will make sure that such a vote does not succeed. We have been there,” he stated.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans respond?
While some social media users agreed that the Scorpions needed to be brought back, others criticised him, saying that no one was prosecuted despite his findings in the Zondo Commission.
Disego Nkoana said:
“Bring back the Scorpions. They were fixing the country before Zuma disbanded them.”
Tshepo Rsa stated:
“The Hawks are not a problem, but our judiciary is.”
Xolile Bozwana added:
“The Scorpions must come back then to deal with this situation. Those guys didn't play marbles, yhoo.”
Kelebogile Ramabenyane said:
“If he were truly serious about fighting corruption, heads would have rolled following the inquiry he led.”
Timmy The-Natural Holdt asked:
“Did he convict anyone during the Zondo Commission?”
SkhandaMeva InjaYethafa said:
“It's time to reinstate the Scorpions.”
Ronel Steffens added:
“Said the man who scooped millions and nothing happened.”
Tebogo Tlhomedi stated:
“The Hawks have been useless for the longest time. I think it's time we bring back the Scorpions.”
Mhlanganisi Ka Mhlezengisho Mathanda claimed:
“I can’t listen to anything coming out of his mouth. He was the most captured judge.”
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleges political interference
Zondo is not the only one who has claimed that there is political interference in the country's judicial system.
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi recently slammed politicians and top South African Police Service cops.
Briefly News reported that he implicated politicians, police officers, judges and prosecutors in his allegations.
Source: Briefly News
