The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) this week resolved to allow law enforcement agencies such as the Special Investigating Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) time to conduct investigations on the allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement made by the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Eskom, Mr Adre de Ruyter.

The committee received a briefing from the SIU and HAWKS on the work they are doing in relation to the intelligence report that was commissioned by Mr de Ruyter using the private investigating company, George Fivaz Forensic and Risk.

SCOPA member, Mr Bheki Hadebe said it is apparent that the law enforcement agencies are working in as far as looking into the allegations raised by Mr de Ruyter. “Work has been done as it relates to contract values that are before the courts in relation to civil litigation to the sum of R7.9 billion. That is a sign and an indication that work is happening. We see that there were contracts that were set aside to the value of R10.2 billion. That is a demonstration that work is happening in this regard,” he said.

Mr Hadebe also pointed out that the reports from the SIU and HAWKS indicate that SCOPA has dealt with this matter thoroughly. He proposed that the committee allows the relevant law enforcement agencies to continue and finalise the work they are currently doing. “There are clear demonstrations in terms of cases before us that there is work underway. My view and my opinion is that we ought to allow the relevant law enforcement agencies to continue and finalise the work they are currently doing”, he explained.

He said it appears as if SCOPA has done everything within its power, function and mandate to ensure that the committee does not sweep anything under the carpet when it comes to Eskom corruption, manipulation of systems and sabotage.

“We have done everything within our mandate. We have exhausted everything that ought to have been done by this committee. We have called all relevant key critical witnesses who have furnished us with information including Mr Andre de Ruyter. He has assisted the committee with information”, he said.

He concluded by proposing that the SIU and HAWKS should continue to furnish the committee with quarterly progress reports until they reach a stage where they furnish the committee with a final report.

The committee also briefly discussed the matter of Brigadier Burger who did not appear before it. Mr Hadebe said he does not see a need to still pursue Briadier Burger given the information that is before the committee. However, other SCOPA members proposed that the Parliamentary Legal Services be asked to provide a legal opinion on the matter of Brigadier Burger.

SCOPA Member, Mr Alf Lees said SCOPA had agreed that it would subpoena Brigadier Burger if he refused to come voluntarily. “So, I would suggest that the proposal ask for the Parliamentary Legal Services to give the committee a legal opinion on SCOPA’s authority to subpoena and start the process if the opinion says that. It’s part of the process that we are following, and I think it needs to be done. There needs to be clarity” he said.

The Acting Chairperson of the committee, Mr Sakhumzi Somyo, said SCOPA should appreciate its contribution to the process. “We must appreciate the contribution SCOPA has made in the process and the law enforcement agencies that are carrying out the work in the areas that we have identified. What is left is for SCOPA to conduct its own meeting to assess the reports compiled by law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Source: Parliament of South Africa