National Assembly green lights ID as permanent body within NPA
The National Assembly on Tuesday passed several bills, including the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, to establish the Investigation Directorate as a permanent body within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The Bill also makes provision for the appointment of permanent investigators and establishes an appeals mechanism through the appointment of a retired judge.
The aim is to enhance the NPA's independence and ability to prosecute high-level crimes.
It has, however, been met with criticism from opposition parties who fear that the body will eventually be disbanded like the former Scorpions, which achieved a conviction rate of over 90%.
The DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach told MPs that a permanent and independent anti-corruption agency would be a better alternative.
"We should be here establishing a truly independent, separate from the NPA, probably Chapter 9 institution, that will be able to combat corruption and organised crime and make South Africa safe again for South Africans.
"It should be in control of its own budget, negotiate with the treasury and be accountable to Parliament. It should be a requirement at a heightened majority is required to disband it, so it can not be dissolved for the sake of protecting politicians."
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