POLITICAL WEEK AHEAD: Focus is on corrupt police officers, DA race
THE xenophobic attacks that have rocked SA over the past two weeks will continue to dominate headlines this week.
The crisis at Eskom will also be keenly watched following the appointment of Transnet CEO Brian Molefe as Eskom acting CE. Hopes are high that Mr Molefe — who has had a somewhat stellar couple of years at the helm of Transnet — could be the man to turn around the fortunes of the ailing power utility.
The race for the Democratic Alliance (DA) national leadership will gather pace this week. Nominations close on Friday. DA parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane confirmed at the weekend that he had accepted nomination for the position of national leader. Mr Maimane is likely to come up against respected academic and DA stalwart Wilmot James
The controversy around Western Cape police commissioner Arno Lamoer, which has raised more questions about the credibility of the South African Police Service, is likely to be another major talking point this week. Gen Lamoer and five others made a brief appearance in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges that include racketeering and money laundering.
Gen Lamoer was granted bail of R5,000. A High Court date has been set for June 12.
His arrest could have serious implications for National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s future. There are allegations that she tried to defeat the ends of justice after she alerted Gen Lamoer to a Hawks investigation into his involvement with criminal underworld syndicates.
Gen Lamoer and the other high-ranking officials — who appeared with him in court — are alleged to have had a corrupt relationship with Cape Town businessman Salim Dawjee. Thembisile Patekile was appointed as acting Western Cape police commissioner at the weekend.
Gen Phiyega said in a statement that Gen Lamoer had already applied for leave from Friday and, in accordance with the police’s disciplinary code, would be served with notices.
In Parliament on Tuesday the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs will be briefed by the Department of Home Affairs on the strategy to use banks to apply for the Smart ID Card and the challenges and recommendations faced by people applying for permits through Visa Facilitation Services.
On Wednesday, the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry will hold hearings on transfer pricing. The Economic Freedom Fighters has asked the government to investigate the matter, especially in the mining industry.
The party has argued that transfer pricing by mining companies leads to huge outflows of financial resources from SA to tax havens.
