ANC defends Scorpions decision

Cape Town - The ANC on Thursday defended its stance on the disbanding of the Scorpions, accusing the unit of "serious violations of the Constitution and the rule of law". The ANC's submission during public hearings at parliament on legislation to disband the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) was presented by ANC national executive committee member Sipiwe Nyanda. He said the party had for some time, long before the Khampepe Commission's final report was released, been consistently cautioning that the DSO's use of operatives, including private sector sub-contractors who had not obtained appropriate security clearances, compromised the security interests of the country and its citizens. The ANC had also repeatedly raised concerns on the DSO's liaisons with foreign intelligence structures in violation of the Constitution... [read full story]