1 000s oppose scorpions move
28 July 2008  

The Democratic Alliance on Monday presented Parliament with over 2 000 written submissions from people opposed to the closure of the Scorpions.   The submissions, made by South Africans from "all walks of life" were handed to members of the National Assembly's safety and security committee by DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard.

"The degree to which the public responded to calls for submissions has been overwhelming and is a clear indication of just how strongly the public opposes the closing of the Scorpions," Kohler Barnard said.  It would be irresponsible for the government to proceed with its attempts to shut down the Scorpions given the "unprecedented" public outrage over the move.  "The government simply cannot continue to process the two bills in the face of such clear public opposition without confirming their contempt for the wishes of the public."

In addition to the written submissions, the DA also handed in the names of more than 98 000 people who signed petitions opposing the closure of the crime-fighting unit.  Kohler Barnard denied that the submissions were made by DA supporters, saying South African from all walks of life responded to the party's campaign to oppose the closure of the Scorpions.

Monday was the deadline for public submissions on the two pieces of legislation intended to bring about the integration of the Scorpions with the police - the South African Police Service Amendment Bill and the National Prosecution Authority Amendment Bill.  Public hearings on the two measures would take place from August 11 to 15.

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