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- Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says law enforcement agencies are taking too long to conclude corruption cases.
- She says the slow pace of investigations creates a perception that there are motives behind arrests.
- Dlamini-Zuma says people's careers have been left hanging because of the duration of some corruption cases.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma believes law enforcement agencies are dragging their feet in finalising criminal cases, which fuels speculation that there are motives behind corruption-related arrests.
Speaking at the launch of the local government ethical leadership forum in Pretoria on Tuesday, Dlamini-Zuma gave a frank rundown of what she thought was a weakness in the law enforcement fraternity in the country. The forum is intended to deal with corruption at local government level.
She questioned why cases were postponed for years without finalisation and said it left people's careers up in the air.
"One thing I have a criticism of is that someone gets arrested today, and in 2025 you are still investigating. I would really like an explanation about that. You arrest someone today, and the case has not even started three years later. You say you are still investigating. What does that mean? Why did you arrest if you are still investigating? If it's six months or nine months later, I can understand, but years later?" Dlamini-Zuma said.
She talked about an ambassador who she said was recalled because of criminal charges.
The unnamed man's case had numerous postponements and was finally struck off the roll after three years. She said the man's career was in limbo because of poor law enforcement work.
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"Nobody said anything when the judge threw it out. There were no headlines. It never sat. It was always postponed until the judge said, 'come on', and threw it out. Is that justice we are talking about?
"Did you arrest because there was a case or because you are finding (sic)? I do not know. That is why I am asking.
Dlamini-Zuma added:
She said she could have mentioned several cases, but those examples were still before the courts.
Dlamini-Zuma was addressing the country's key law enforcement leaders – National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya, and Special Investigating Unit boss Andy Mothibi, who also attended the event.
Some of the most high-profile corruption cases before the country's courts involve ANC members.
These cases include that of suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who is facing corruption charges related to the Free State asbestos matter.
ANC eThekwini regional chairperson Zandile Gumede also faces a string of corruption charges. Former president Jacob Zuma's arms deal corruption trial is also before the court.
These cases were not mentioned by Dlamini-Zuma, but were the most prominent concerning ANC members in recent years and months.
"There are lots of examples that I can quote even here, but I do not want to because they are cases you are still dealing with. Which are three years, two years, and they have not sat (sic). So, what was the hurry of arresting if you are still investigating three years later?
"That erodes... the public trust because people think there was a motive of arresting and then investigating," Dlamini-Zuma said.
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The minister is the latest ANC member to speak directly about the perceived failures of the country's law enforcement agencies.
Others include Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and former health minister Zweli Mkhize.
All three ANC leaders are contesting the ANC presidency.
While addressing an ANC campaign lecture in the Eastern Cape, Sisulu criticised the slow pace of cases.
Sisulu told eNCA:
She said it seemed the NPA was choosing which cases to prioritise because she had highlighted corruption cases at the Department of Human Settlements, Water, and Sanitation when she was the minister.
During a campaign lecture in KwaZulu-Natal last week, Mkhize said law enforcement agencies had a selective approach to handling matters.
He is facing a criminal investigation related to the Digital Vibes case.
