Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, officially launched the provincial Special Investigating Unit (SIU) office in Kimberly, on 1 April 2021

By Kgomotso Ramotsho

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, officially launched the provincial Special Investigating Unit (SIU) office in Kimberly, on 1 April 2021. At the opening ceremony, Mr Lamola said that there is a strong causal link between corruption and institutions that are ineffective and unaccountable. He added that as such, reducing all forms of corruption, strengthening the recovery and return of stolen assets, and developing transparent institutions is something that should not be compromised.

Mr Lamola said that his department is pleased that the Northern Cape will cease to be the only province in the country without the presence of the SIU. He added that this was another measure by government to strengthen the fight against corruption and maladministration. He pointed out that the opening of the SIU Northern Cape Provincial Office heralds a new era, which will ensure improved turnaround time of investigations, reaching of expected legal outcomes and the implementation of SIU recommendations.

Mr Lamola said that the COVID-19 period has proven to be a rather painful illustration that corruption knows no boundaries. He pointed out that driven by greed, certain individuals in government and the private sector colluded at the expense of society. He added that taxpayers’ money meant to fight the pandemic, was regrettably lost to corruption. He said the impact of corruption has been felt across all spheres of government. ‘We condemn in strongest possible terms; the looting of resources meant to preserve the lives of our people,’ Mr Lamola added.

Mr Lamola pointed out that the SIU has been inundated with investigations across the country and the wheels of justice are turning. He said those who looted the country’s resources have been called to account for their actions through the SIU, and that bank accounts have been frozen, payments have been stopped, and government officials and some leaders were suspended. Mr Lamola applauded the SIU in protecting public funds from corrupt elements within the society and the public service.

Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.