Publication: Cape Argus Issued: Date: 2009-02-02 Reporter:

Lead Scorpions Investigator Quits

 

Publication 

Cape Argus
Date

2009-02-02

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za


One of the lead Scorpions investigators in Jacob Zuma's corruption case has quit.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tlali Tlali on Sunday confirmed that "since the beginning of this year (Scorpions' special investigator) Isak du Plooy was no longer in the employ of the NPA".

Du Plooy - who has left the Scorpions after six years - declined to comment on the reasons for his resignation. He has since taken up a forensic investigator post in the corporate sector.

Independent Newspapers, however, have established that government's decision to disband the Scorpions - and the uncertainty this decision created within the unit - had prompted Du Plooy to resign earlier than he had planned.

NPA sources confirmed that Du Plooy had, prior to his resignation, expressed concerns about the mooted integration of Scorpions into the perceived hostile environment of the police force.

Like many other Scorpions investigators, Du Plooy is believed to have been pessimistic about his opportunities for professional progression within the police.

Sources are adamant Du Plooy's exit from the Directorate of Special Operations would not compromise the Zuma prosecution at all *1.

"He doesn't have any problem with testifying if and when he is asked to do so he won't hesitate to testify because he knows how important this case is," one source said.

Du Plooy's departure is one of dozens to hit the Scorpions since government initiated legislation - which President Kgalema Motlanthe last week signed into law - allowing for the unit to be disbanded.

In an affidavit filed as part of Joburg businessman Bob Glenister's bid to stop the Scorpions from being disbanded, acting NPA head, Mokotedi Mpshe, said formulation of bills that would enable the Scorpions' destruction "certainly had an effect on the resolve and commitment of Scorpions personnel".

Since the end of January 2008, a month after the ANC announced a resolution to disband the unit at its annual conference in Polokwane, 26 Scorpions members left their jobs, bringing to 56 the total number that have left since April last year. According to Mpshe, a further 47 had indicated they had applied for positions elsewhere.

"I submit that many... have left because of the threat of a transfer into a perceived hostile environment, the lack of consultation and the attendant uncertainty and/or the prospect of a more attractive, stable and secure working environment or career options," he said.

Zuma is on Monday expected to launch his latest legal bid to have his prosecution declared invalid in the constitutional court.

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With acknowledgements to Cape Argus.
 


*1       The truth of the matter is that the NPA is ready to proceed with its case against Zuma and The Two Thints.

Therefore it does not need the services of of the investigators right now.

However, when cross-examination of The Accused and the defence witnesses commences and they make references to undiscovered material, the State prosecutors have to scramble out at the highest of speeds to respond appropriately.

So of course the absence of one of the lead investigators who knows the whole case will have a not insubstantial impact.

But far more seriously, there is now one less investigator on other current Arms Deal investigations.

Any more losses and there will be none.

That's clearly what some among us want.