Latest news with #Anti-CorruptionCommission
Daily Maverick
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
South Africa needs Scorpions 2.0 and a capable National Prosecuting Authority
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has made notable strides in the recovery of money lost by the state in organised crime and corruption cases. Yet convictions and prosecutions of State Capture cases are still amiss. This constitutional crisis obliterates any prospect of economic growth. A report by Investec found that crime and widespread government corruption significantly contributed to South Africa's downward economic spiral. According to the report, had we kept up with the growth rates of similar countries, South Africa's economy would have been 37% bigger than it is today. Crime and corruption must be successfully prosecuted to lift South Africans out of poverty and squalor. A strong criminal justice system is a prerequisite to restoring the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions and growing the economy. The NPA's turnaround strategies aimed at restoring the destruction caused by the Jacob Zuma administration have fallen short. The prosecuting authority is collapsing in front of our eyes. A lack of experienced prosecutors, limited capacity and chronic underfunding have led to failures in prosecuting both complex cases and everyday crimes. An institutional overhaul is required to address the scourge of crime and secure the independence of prosecutions, and this can only be achieved through amending the Constitution. South Africa needs an independent Anti-Corruption Commission tasked with investigating and prosecuting serious corruption and high-level organised crime. Additionally, we require a capable NPA free from political interference. This two-pronged approach combines the long-term solution of the Anti-Corruption Commission with ensuring the independence of the NPA in the short term. A truly independent NPA The first step is the development of a Private Members Bill to address the lack of independence of the NPA, shield it from political interference and ensure that the subjugation of the NPA never occurs again. This Bill is currently in development. The Bill will have the NPA report directly to Parliament and remove the President's ability to appoint or remove the national and deputy directors. This power will be couched in Parliament and require a special majority to effect any removal. It will further detach the minister of justice's final authority over the NPA. National directors have been fired for prosecuting cases of politically connected persons in the past. Advocate Vusi Pikoli's removal is a prime example of such political influence. The amendment will also give the NPA the power to determine its own budgetary needs, subject to parliamentary approval. The NPA can neither be rebuilt nor have its prosecutorial capacity increased without additional funds. The NPA's budget is currently determined by the minister of justice, who, like her predecessors, has failed to advocate for better funding despite the NPA's pleas. Increased funding will allow for the employment and training of future prosecutors and better equip junior prosecutors with skills and experience, thus restoring the NPA's capacity incrementally. This Bill presents short-term wins that would substantially assist the NPA. The responsibility for investigating and prosecuting serious corruption and high-level organised crime must be transferred to a specialised Chapter 9 body in the long term. This will free up the NPA to tackle its huge caseloads of everyday crime. This is the second prong, aimed at a long-term solution to dealing with State Capture and high-level organised crime. The Scorpions 2.0 as a long-term solution The Anti-Corruption Commission Bill was introduced early this year and is now being considered by Parliament. The Bill creates a Chapter 9 institution that specialises in the investigation and prosecution of serious corruption and high-level organised crime. Such complex cases require a great deal of resources for successful prosecutions – resources that the NPA does not have. The role of the institution will be akin to that of the original Scorpions and allow for prosecutor-led investigations and security of tenure. The Directorate of Special Operations – the 'Scorpions' – was a specialised NPA unit tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption and organised crime. Because it was part of the NPA and under the authority of the minister, politicians under investigation were able to have the unit disbanded. Previous Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has aptly described the disbandment as 'the worst decision ever'. Although replaced by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), falling within the authority of the minister of police, the Hawks themselves have been exposed to political meddling and influence. Recently, in an attempt to appear hard on corruption, a new Investigating Directorate on corruption was established within the NPA, this time, without the power to investigate, and failing to insulate the unit from political meddling. Institutional problems within the NPA cannot be solved with slapdash legislation. No anti-corruption unit can be under the yoke of the people it is tasked with investigating – it must be unequivocally independent from political influence. The Anti-Corruption Commission Bill will create a stand-alone body free from political control and put an end to the looting of state coffers. The Anti-Corruption Commission Bill ('Scorpions 2.0') runs parallel to a constitutional amendment that ensures the commission's full independence. This amendment will make it impossible for implicated and connected persons to have a say in leadership changes at the commission. The leaders of the Scorpions 2.0 will answer directly to Parliament, thereby protecting the security of tenure of those in charge. The amendment will further secure a fixed-percentage budget allocation for the commission. No longer will the prosecution of corruption be hamstrung by politicians closing the purse. These measures ensure that the Anti-Corruption Commission will be immune to any form of political pressure and can focus solely on investigating and prosecuting crimes of corruption. A specialist unit will finally allow the prosecution of State Capture cases and other instances of corruption. It will further empower the NPA to prosecute 'ordinary' crimes with greater success. South Africans deserve to live in a safe environment where perpetrators of crimes like rape, murder and robbery are put behind bars effectively. Conclusion The effective prosecution of crime creates a safer society and leads to increased investment, economic growth and job creation. With unemployment at about 40%, the importance of economic growth in South Africa need not be elaborated. It is inexcusable that the National Prosecuting Authority has been allowed to fall into disrepair and reach a point of collapse, yet it can still be saved. In the darkest of times, our country has shown that it can come back from the brink. These bills will restore our prosecutorial institutions and deserve the full support of South Africans. The amendments they propose will fight crime, put an end to corruption and save our country. DM
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
WHO sends Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed on leave, says " no further comment at this time"
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has placed Saima Wazed, Regional Director for South-East Asia, on leave following corruption allegations brought forth by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission. Dr. Catharina Boehme has been appointed as Officer-in-Charge during her absence. The interim Bangladesh government welcomes WHO's decision, advocating for Wazed's removal and restoration of integrity to the role. WHO sends Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed on leave, says " no further comment at this time" Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has sent Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed , Regional Director for the South-East Asia Region, on leave amid corruption charges raised against the interim Bangladesh a reply to ANI, WHO said, "WHO's Regional Director, SEARO, Saima Wazed, is currently on leave."WHO also said that Dr Catharina Boehme will serve as Officer-in-Charge during this period. "During this period, Dr Catharina Boehme is serving as Officer-in-Charge," the organisation asked further about why Saima Wazed was sent on leave, WHO said, "We have no further comment at this time."According to reports, action was taken after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission filed cases against her for fraud, forgery, and misuse of Catharina Boehme is expected to reach the WHO SEARO office in New Delhi on July to the action taken by WHO, Bangladesh Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said in a Facebook post on Saturday, "We welcome the World Health Organisation's reported decision to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations of fraud, forgery and abuse of power. We view this as an important first step toward accountability."He added, "We firmly believe that a permanent resolution is necessary, one that removes Ms. Wazed from her position, revokes all associated privileges and restores integrity to this prestigious role and the credibility of the UN system as a whole."He also said, "The people of Bangladesh and the global public are happy to see the emergence of transparency, honesty, and justice."
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First Post
12-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed put on indefinite leave by WHO
Earlier this year, Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Hasina's daughter of using her mother's influence to achieve her victory as the regional chief of the WHO read more Advertisement FILE- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, centre, is flanked by her daughter Saima Wazed. AP The World Health Organisation has sent Sheikh Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, the Southeast Asia chief, on indefinite leave amid Bangladesh's interim government's assertion that she was involved in fraud and corruption during the former prime minister's rule. A report by Health Policy Watch says that the WHO Chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, informed the staff about Wazed's indefinite leave via an email. The leave went into effect from yesterday (June 11). His email added that Dr Catharina Boehme, WHO's assistant director-general, would replace Wazed in taking over the office of the UN health agency's South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are the allegations against Wazed? Earlier this year, Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Hasina's daughter of using her mother's influence to achieve her victory as the regional chief of the WHO. Wazed is also alleged of misrepresenting her academic qualifications during the nomination process, according to ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam. The alleged act falls under Sections 468 and 471 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which cover forgery and the use of forged documents. She also provided false information regarding her professional experience by claiming an honorary role at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, which has been categorically denied by the varsity. What else has she been accused of? Wazed has also been accused of widespread corruption during her mother's rule in Bangladesh. The ACC alleges that Wazed exploited her position and influence to secure approximately $2.8 million from multiple banks under the name of the Shuchona Foundation, which she previously headed. Although the exact use of the funds remains uncertain, the charges include Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 5(2) of the 1947 Prevention of Corruption Act for abuse of power. Interim govt welcomes move The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has welcomed the WHO's decision to put Wazed on leave. 'We welcome the World Health Organisation's reported decision to place Saima Wazed on indefinite leave amid ongoing investigations into serious allegations of fraud, forgery and abuse of power. We view this as an important first step toward accountability,' Shafiqul Alam, Yunus' press secretary, said. He added, 'We firmly believe that a permanent resolution is necessary, one that removes Ms. Wazed from her position, revokes all associated privileges and restores integrity to this prestigious role and the credibility of the UN system as a whole.'
India.com
25-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Tulip Siddiq is up against anti-India Muhammad Yunus...., what's her connection with Sheikh Hasina..., she is based in...
Tulip Siddiq is up against anti-India Muhammad Yunus...., what's her connection with Sheikh Hasina..., she is based in... Bangladesh's interim government chief and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been accused of interfering in British politics and damaging personal reputation. This allegation has been made by Tulip Siddiq, a British Labour Party MP and niece (sister's daughter) of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tulip has accused Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of running a well-planned smear campaign against her motivated by 'political vendetta'. Who is Tulip Siddiq? Tulip Siddiq is the niece of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tulip's mother, Sheikh Rehana, is Sheikh Hasina's younger sister. Thus, Tulip and Sheikh Hasina have a mother-daughter and sisterly family relationship. Tulip Siddiq, who lives in London, resigned as Britain's finance minister earlier this year after corruption allegations against her family. She represents the ruling Labour Party from the Hampstead and Highgate constituency of the British capital. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against Siddiq in connection with the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina. Hasina's government was ousted last year following massive protests led by students. 'It is time for the Chief Adviser (Yunus) and the ACC to stop their completely false and unlawful campaign to malign Siddiq's reputation and interfere with his public service,' said the letter sent by Siddiq's lawyers to Yunus. According to Sky News, Siddiq's legal team claims the interim leader has been unfairly biased in the investigation against him. Siddiq had requested a meeting with Yunus during his visit to the UK earlier this month, which the Chief Adviser rejected.
India Today
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Dhaka court imposes travel ban on Shakib Al Hasan amid corruption case
A court in Dhaka has imposed a travel ban on former Awami League lawmaker and cricketer-turned-politician Shakib Al Hasan, along with 15 others, in connection with a corruption case. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain following a hearing on two separate petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).According to the petitions, Shakib and the others allegedly amassed illicit wealth by investing several crores of taka in the stock market through irregular means, in violation of stock market regulations. The ACC claimed that Shakib and his co-accused carried out transactions worth Tk 8.97 crore and Tk 4.48 crore with the intent to embezzle funds, thereby breaching Section 19(1) of Rule 24(3) of the microcredit petitions were filed by ACC Assistant Director Sajjad Hossain and Deputy Director Md Rokonuzzaman, who requested the travel restrictions to prevent the accused individuals from fleeing the country. The court's directive prohibits Shakib and the 15 others from leaving Bangladesh until further remains to be seen how the ruling would affect Shakib's cricket commitments. The Bangladesh all-rounder has not played professional cricket since his involvement in the Pakistan Super League in May. He last played for Bangladesh in a Test series against India in October 38-year-old's return to competitive action in the PSL after a six-month layoff came after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cleared his bowling action, which had been reported in December 2024 during his stint with Surrey. Despite his comeback, Shakib struggled for form, registering two ducks and taking just one wicket in the had announced plans to retire from Test cricket at home against South Africa, but political turmoil in Bangladesh—culminating in the ousting of the Awami League, of which Shakib was a sitting MP—derailed those plans. Shakib was also not considered for Bangladesh's Champions Trophy will feature in a two-Test series in Sri Lanka from June 17 to June 29 before playing 3 ODIs and as many T20Is in the island Watch
