SACP Free State Province calls for intensified action on high profile corruption cases and social mobilisation to bring an end to state capture in the province

16 February 2018

The South African Communist Party (SACP) Free State Province welcomes the arrest of several public servants, private individuals and politicians by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks). The arrested individuals are alleged to have been involved in acts of criminality, including fraud, theft and money laundering within the Free State provincial government.

The search and seizure operations executed by the Hawks, including at the Offices of the Premier in relation to the Vrede Dairy Project scandal inspired hope and confidence that at last the law enforcement authorities appear to be acting without fear or favour. This process needs to be buttressed by patriotic mobilisation and societal vigilance to hold accountable the very same authorities. The imperative to end corporate capture of the state and other forms of corruption must become successful.

The SACP urges the Hawks to intensify its efforts to drain the swamp of corruption prevalent across our province.

The SACP further urges the suspects to fully co-operate with law enforcement authorities. While the Party welcomes the arrest of officials, the SACP however cautions that they must not conveniently be turned into sacrificial lamps to shield their principals, the political heads. It is highly unlikely that these officials acted without the knowledge, approval and/or instructions of the political principals of their respective departments.

The SACP encourages others who know they have been involved, either by omission or commission, in acts of criminality to resist the temptation of going into hibernation and voluntarily hand themselves over to the authorities.

Issued by the SACP Free State

Bheke Stofile - SACP Free State Provincial Secretary
Mobile: 071 600 4899
Phillip Kganyago - SACP Free State Provincial Spokesperson
Mobile: 071 896 0157