Posts

Bribe refusal leads to arrest of criminal

It did not seem like a tall ask. He offered R500 to a police officer towards some “cold drink” to help get himself out of trouble and keep the cops off his trail. But the man, a suspect in a theft case, did not bargain on the cop refusing to be bribed. Once he was Read more >

South Africa’s democracy ‘built to last’

The public protector is constitutionally mandated to investigate, report and take – not merely recommend – appropriate remedial action on improper conduct. This was again clarified by incumbent Advocate Thuli Madonsela at the recent State of the Nation business breakfast in Johannesburg. Madonsela and her fellow guest, former opposition politician and ambassador to Argentina Tony Read more >

Global corruption snapshots: 23 July 2015

The latest corruption stories from around the globe: Brazil’s former president Lula da Silva faces probe amid allegations of influence-peddling, while China’s Communist Party expels one of its own from public office amid corruption allegations and South African sports journalists flees the country in fear for his life! The scandal that ate Malaysia The near Read more >

Immigrants’ rights are not negotiable

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba being sworn into office in May 2014. His department is responsible for the administration of immigrants in the country as well as the protection of their rights. Image source: GCIS   Immigrants in South Africa could be forgiven for thinking that the country might not, after all, be the right Read more >

‘Presumed innocent’ not an invisibility cloak

Dear Corruption Watch: My local councillor is being investigated for his role in corrupt tender processes in our municipality. A senior branch member of our political party told me that I should not discuss the allegations or charges because the councillor is “innocent until proven guilty”. I understand that this is an important part of Read more >

How corruption drives illicit financial flows

By Khalil Goga At the recent Pan-African Parliament session in South Africa, former South African president Thabo Mbeki presented the African Union high-level report on illicit financial flows (IFFs). The parliament accepted the report and its recommendations, showing an increased urgency in limiting IFFs on the continent. The Mbeki report refers to IFFs as funds Read more >

Chief justice hits back

STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE HEADS OF COURT AND SENIOR JUDGES OF ALL DIVISIONS ON 8 JULY 2015 The judiciary’s commitment to the rule of law A Judge’s principal article of faith is to adjudicate without fear favour or prejudice. When each Judge assumes office she or he takes an oath or affirmation Read more >

Closing arguments: arms dealers

The Arms Procurement Commission wrapped up at the end of June, after closing arguments had been presented by the interested parties that testified. In this three-part series, we summarise closing arguments from the evidence leaders, the government departments involved, and the arms dealers. Closing arguments: the evidence leaders Closing arguments: the government departments By Lee-Ann Read more >

Closing arguments: government depts

The Arms Procurement Commission wrapped up at the end of June, after closing arguments had been presented by the interested parties that testified. In this three-part series, we summarise closing arguments from the evidence leaders, the government departments involved, and the arms dealers. Closing arguments: the evidence leaders Closing arguments: the arms suppliers By Lee-Ann Read more >