The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development Chairperson, Mr Xola Nqola, has expressed his concern about conflicting reports on the access to the Zondo Commission investigation database.
“These reports are extremely concerning as it deals with state capture and millions and millions of rands stolen from the South African people. Every South African wants to see justice in these matters and the money returned to the state coffers in order to alleviate the strain on the economy and our people,” said Mr Nqola.
He was responding to media reports that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are locked in a stand-off with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), after full access to vital state capture evidence was allegedly blocked. The reports go on to say that the NPA and the Investigating Directorate have lost access to a large digital evidence database gathered by Zondo Commission investigators because of a lack of maintenance. The NPA has since refuted the allegations and said that access to the digital lab is a technical one and it continues to engage the department on the matter. The department has called the media reports misleading and factually inaccurate.
Mr Nqola further stated that such reports can lead to the public losing faith in the justice system and the country’s efforts to fight corruption. “It is clear that the reports and the comments from the authorities are contradictory. It is for this reason that the committee will call the department and all the role players to enlighten the Members of Parliament and the public on this very serious matter. The country’s reputation to deal with crime and corruption is at stake when allegations of this nature are circulated.”
Minty Devil
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.\”
Sir Squire
Van der Merwe is approached by SANRAL one day who want to build a new highway through his donkey farm. Van is really concerned with how his donkeys can get from one side of the farm to the other without having to cross the highway and risk being injured or killed. He is promised that they will build bridges the highway so that his donkeys can cross under the highway. Van agrees and gives them the go-ahead.
The highway is built and a year later the same rep goes to the farm to go see how Van and his donkeys are. He eventually finds Van under one of these bridges chipping away at the roof of the tunnel with a hammer and chisel.
\”Mnr Van de Merwe, what are you doing damaging the highway bridge?\”