Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent purchase of a multi-million Rand commercial property by the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Berea, Durban.
This purchase, approved by high-ranking officials within Crime Intelligence, raises serious concerns due to the vast amount of taxpayers’ money involved, especially as it follows a previous, highly questionable property acquisition in Pretoria, to the tune of R22.7 million — a matter that the Inspector-General of Intelligence confirmed is now being investigated.
What makes this new revelation even more disturbing is that Crime Intelligence appears to have spent R22.8 million on a property that was originally listed for R9.5 million — a staggering markup of over R13 million.
This raises serious concerns over potential corruption, mismanagement, and wasteful expenditure within one of the country’s most critical law enforcement divisions. Furthermore, Crime Intelligence appears to have failed to consult the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), as required, before making this purchase.
In response, the DA has written to the Inspector-General of Intelligence , calling for an urgent investigation into this purchase. We are encouraged by the confirmation that an investigation will be opened into the first case in Pretoria, and we expect a speedy resolution and feedback on both cases.
The continued pattern of reckless spending without oversight, amid senior management crises and ongoing corruption allegations, is intolerable.
Crime Intelligence’s actions reflect a blatant disregard for protocol and the needs of the South African public, who are being forced to endure poor service delivery while millions are wasted on luxury property deals.
Regards
Dianne Kohler Barnard MP
DA Spokesperson on State Security
Fuzzy Claws
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Loot
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”