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S. Africa ruling party rejects motion over state capture allegations

Xinhua, September 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday rejected a proposed motion by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) for Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of state capture and undue influence over the government.

Such allegations are of serious nature and should not be used for mere grandstanding in parliament, but should instead be reported to competent authorities such as the police or relevant chapter 9 institutions for investigation, said the Office of the ANC Chief Whip.

Chapter 9 institutions refer to a group of organizations established in terms of Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution to guard democracy.

"Only the appropriate authorities have the expertise to establish the truthfulness of such allegations to ensure that if anyone is involved in such illegality, they are made to face the full wrath of the law," said the office.

This came after ANC MPs voted against the motion in the parliament.

The DA wants the establishment of an ad hoc committee which would have extensive powers -- including powers to summon any person and require any person or institution to report to it -- in order to investigate.

The DA accused the ANC of closing ranks in a desperate effort to protect President Jacob Zuma, and the Indian Gupta family from any investigation by the Parliament.

The Gupta family, which allegedly keeps close ties with Zuma, has been under fire for exerting undue influence on Zuma in the appointment of cabinet ministers. But the Guptas have rejected the allegations.

"State capture and undue influence over the government is a serious offence, and if such allegations are proven correct, then those responsible must be prosecuted and convicted," the office said, asking the DA to report the matter to the competent authorities instead of engaging in publicity gimmicks in Parliament.

"Parliament is neither an investigative agency nor professionally equipped to conduct criminal probes," it added. Enditem