Dirty Deeds: Prosecutors and Lawyers on the Take

Key Takeaways

• Corrupt prosecutors and lawyers are being paid ridiculous retainer fees by dangerous criminals to secure bail for these lawbreakers.
• The criminal justice system in South Africa has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates and drug cartels.
• A classified report penned by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel highlights the concerns of dangerous criminals being released on bail and recommitting crimes.
• The report expresses concern over the involvement of repeat criminal offenders in serious crimes such as cash-in-transit heists, extortion-related crimes, and kidnapping for ransom.
• The implementation of the recommendations of the Zondo commission should remain a priority and must be attended to with more urgency and focus.

Introduction to the Report
The report penned by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel sheds light on the disturbing trend of corrupt prosecutors and lawyers being paid by dangerous criminals to secure bail for these lawbreakers. This phenomenon has been highlighted as a major concern by KwaZulu-Natal police chief Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims that the criminal justice system has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates and drug cartels. The report gives credence to Mkhwanazi’s claims and emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the issue. The establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations is a step in the right direction.

Concerns Over Bail and Recidivism
The report expresses concern over the ease with which dangerous criminals are released on bail, only to return to society and commit more heinous crimes. Fazel describes these individuals as those involved in cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion-related crimes. The report highlights that the involvement of repeat criminal offenders in the commission of serious crimes is a serious impediment in tackling organized criminal networks and syndicates. The fact that some of these individuals have as many as 20 charges against them and are still walking free is a testament to the deep pockets of these criminals, who are able to pay lawyers ridiculous money to secure bail.

Failure to Address Zondo Commission-Related Matters
The report also slams the Crime Intelligence (CI) division for failing to deal with Zondo commission-related matters that affect members of the division. Fazel states that certain investigations, as recommended by the state capture commission, had hit a brick wall due to those implicated or their allies withholding information and evidence. The report highlights that only one of the 10 Zondo commission cases relating to CI members is at an advanced stage of investigation, with two cases before court and another at an inquiry stage. In six matters, criminal investigations were deliberately stopped, with no reasons provided for the stoppage. This lack of progress is a cause for concern and highlights the need for the CI division to play a more active role in ensuring that the recommendations of the Zondo commission are implemented.

Need for Urgent Action
The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the concerns highlighted. The implementation of the recommendations of the Zondo commission should remain a priority and must be attended to with more urgency and focus. The CI division must play a more active role in ensuring that these recommendations are implemented, as former and current members of the division are implicated in criminality. The report concludes by stating that the oversight body will continue to monitor implementation and progress, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the report penned by suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imtiaz Fazel highlights the disturbing trend of corrupt prosecutors and lawyers being paid by dangerous criminals to secure bail for these lawbreakers. The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the concerns highlighted, including the implementation of the recommendations of the Zondo commission. The CI division must play a more active role in ensuring that these recommendations are implemented, and the oversight body must continue to monitor implementation and progress. Ultimately, the need for accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system cannot be overstated, and it is only through urgent action that we can hope to address the concerns highlighted in the report.