Latest news with #Breytenbach
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Parliament's Constitutional Review Committee receives more than 250 proposals to change the Constitution
CAPE TOWN - Parliament's Constitutional Review Committee has received more than 250 proposals to amend the Constitution. But it could take up to a year to decide how many of them are worthy of the attention of the committee which is currently still dealing with legal opinions on submissions made during the previous administration. ALSO READ: ActionSA proposes constitutional amendments to stem SA's immigration problems Co-chairperson of the committee, Glynnis Breytenbach says it's an arduous and painstaking process the committee will now embark upon after the deadline for submissions closed at the end of last May. The Constitution was last amended in 2023 to include sign language as an official language. Prior to that, the Constitution had not been amended since 2012 after an attempt to amend Section 25 to allow for land expropriation without compensation in 2021 flopped without the two thirds majority required by the National Assembly. Breytenbach says some submissions exceed 100 pages, and Parliament's administrative and legal staff will have to categorise the submissions depending on their substance. "It's not a must that the committee must find matters that must be brought to the National Assembly. If none of them are of any significant import, then we will again call for submissions." Breytenbach says it could take up to a year to grapple with these serious submissions. "Even that takes a long time because then you have to find the space for those people to come and present. You have to hear all the presentations. The pros and the cons." Among submissions received by the committee deal with the consequences for impeached individuals which Breytenbach says warrants Parliament's urgent attention.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
A national embarrassment? ‘Scorpions 2.0' bill pitched to save failing NPA
The DA says the NPA should at least prosecute one major case successfully to regain public trust. National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi during a media briefing in Silverton where she introduced the new Investigating director at the NPA head office on Friday, 24 May 2019. Picture: Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe Lawyers for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are under scrutiny for their inability to secure convictions in high-profile cases. The NPA has failed to secure court victories and convictions in several major cases, including controversial Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso's rape case, and other prominent cases linked to ANC politicians and State Capture. In 2024, former prosecutor and now DA parliamentarian Glynnis Breytenbach proposed a set of reforms aimed at bolstering successful prosecutions. This includes introducing a 'Scorpions 2.0' bill, which is expected to establish an independent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). This commission will have the power to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption, free from political interference. The DA also wants to amend the constitution to ensure the head of the NPA is appointed by parliament and not the president. 'I did not expect that there would be a huge appetite for this bill, for obvious reasons. But I believe it is the only solution to the current problem. 'To rebuild, the NPA is going to take 20 years. We cannot wait 20 years for these prosecutions to take place; to fill up an anti-corruption commission with competent staff would be much easier,' said Breytenbach. Breytenbach believes that other problems that plague the NPA include budget cuts, which limit the organisation's ability to do its work. 'If you do not have a budget, it becomes difficult and then impossible to prosecute these cases in court, and that is why we see these debacles in court because there has not been sufficient consultation with subject-matter experts,' she said. Sabotage in the NPA? On Thursday, National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi expressed concern about the NPA's inability to deliver successful prosecutions. 'That actually makes me worry sometimes, that the NPA is actually being infiltrated by people who do not have the rule of law at heart. 'I do not sleep comfortably at night because of that, not because I think the NPA is a failing organisation,' she said. Breytenbach said she believes that Batohi has done her best and cannot be completely blamed for all the failures in prosecutions. She said some of the bad elements in the ranks of the NPA are known, but there seems to be no political will to root them out. 'We all know who they are. She (Batohi) has not managed to get rid of all of them either because she has not tried, but some of them we know that she has tried, and she has been hampered in the process,' she said. ALSO READ: NPA 'taken aback' over Moroadi Cholota extradition ruling, hints at appeal NPA a haven for politically connected? ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip stated that the NPA has become a haven for the politically connected. 'It has become a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. 'Under Shamila Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. 'South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence, or is there a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt?' he said. NOW READ: NPA 'infiltrated by those against the rule of law' – Batohi says
IOL News
14-05-2025
- IOL News
Hawks raid Pretoria High Court to expose fraudulent immigration practices
The Hawks raided the Pretoria High Court over allegations that an employee had been issuing fraudulent notices of motion to undocumented foreign nationals. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers Experts believe that the issuance of fraudulent notices to undocumented foreign nationals is a widespread issue. Hannes Breytenbach, a senior immigration consultant and founder of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants (BIC) Ltd, said his firm encountered clients who presented official-looking documents that had no legal standing over the years. He said in some cases, these documents delayed deportation proceedings, creating confusion and false hope for the individuals involved. Breytenbach made these remarks after the Hawks yesterday raided the Pretoria High Court over allegations that an employee has been issuing fraudulent notices of motion to undocumented foreign nationals to prevent their deportation to their countries of origin. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Breytenbach said it was particularly troubling when these documents were issued from within formal court systems, adding that this lends a false sense of legitimacy. The operation specifically targeted one office and an individual believed to be central to the commission of these offences. Breytenbach said this not only undermines the integrity of 'our' legal and immigration systems but also places vulnerable individuals at greater risk. 'Such actions erode public trust in lawful immigration processes and cast a shadow over the work of many dedicated officials who act with integrity,' he said. He said the following steps should be taken: Thorough investigation & Prosecution: The authorities must be allowed to fully investigate and prosecute those responsible. If criminal syndicates are involved, the law must take its course to dismantle these networks. Stricter oversight: There is a clear need for stronger controls within the court and immigration offices. This includes secure access protocols, document verification technology, and regular audits. Public Education: Foreign nationals and the public must be educated on legitimate procedures and the risks of engaging with intermediaries promising 'quick fixes' or illegal paperwork. Support for victims: Many affected individuals are misled and exploited. Where appropriate, support and legal pathways should be made available to assist those who have been defrauded. 'We commend the Hawks for their decisive action and hope it sends a strong message that corruption and exploitation of the immigration system will not be tolerated,' he said. Immigration lawyer Ashraf Essop said the allegations mean the justice system was corrupted and the country needs to do everything possible to stop it. Immigration expert Professor Loren Landau said the documentation for a fee has been a long-standing issue in South Africa. Landau said this was a consequence of a migration framework that makes it almost impossible for people to secure documents legally and a 'corrupt system' that withholds documentation to drive up the price. Landau added that concerted efforts are needed to address both concerns. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the action and commended the Hawks for their continued efforts to combat corruption within the justice system. Spokesperson Terrance Manase said Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reaffirmed the Ministry's unwavering support for the Office of the Chief Justice in its efforts to root out individuals who bring the judiciary into disrepute. 'In this regard, the minister emphasised that the law must take its full course and that all due process must be followed meticulously,' he said, adding that should the accused be found guilty, this would represent the removal of yet another bad apple whose actions undermine the integrity of the justice system and obstruct access to justice. Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the investigators have yet to read the documents seized in the office.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- The Citizen
Sinoville residents reclaim their street and battle illegal squatters
The residents of Sinoville have mobilised to reclaim their ward, vowing to defend their neighbourhood against neglect and crime. With rising concerns over litter, poor service delivery, and the increasing presence of illegal squatters, residents have united to resolve these concerns. Ward 50 councillor Lenise Breytenbach vowed that they would defend their ward with pride against all these issues including the surfacing of widespread littering and neglected public spaces, including the environment being fuelled by illegal squatters. This grassroots movement seeks not only to enhance public safety but also to restore dignity and order within a community long overshadowed by neglect. Residents have endured the negative effects of crumbling infrastructure and increasing disorder. Now, the community is rallying together, determined to reverse these trends through collective action. 'Enough of littering, illegal squatters, and poor service delivery. 'This is our home, and we will not allow strangers to take it over. We need more volunteer clean-up initiatives and community-led surveillance projects,' said Breytenbach. A flashpoint in these efforts is the issue of illegal squatters. Residents argue that the unauthorised occupation of land has not only posed safety risks, but also served as a magnet for criminal elements. 'When people start taking over spaces such as the parks without accountability, it creates hotspots for illegal activities. 'Law enforcement must act to clamp down on this issue,' said Piet Mazibuko. He advocated for better municipal services to restore neglected urban spaces. 'The idea is not only to remove the immediate threats but also ensure that Sinoville becomes a sustainable, safe, and vibrant place for all residents.' Phemelo Matsheka insisted that sustainable change must come from within. 'We know our street better than anyone. We are the eyes and ears on the ground, we can create an environment where crime cannot flourish,' said Matsheka. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
