‘Corruption Can Never Be Top Secret’: Malema Pushes for Suspended Intelligence Chief to Testify

The suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI), Imtiaz Fazel, may yet appear before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committeeif his own willingness is anything to go by.

The committee met on Monday to discuss several housekeeping matters, but the debate quickly centred on whether Fazel, suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October pending an investigation by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI), could be called to testify.

The Debate

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia previously shared Fazel’s classified report with the committee. Now, members want to hear from the man himself.

EFF MP Julius Malema was unequivocal.

“We are not called an Ad Hoc Committee for no reason. We had a head of crime intelligence appearing before us. There was nothing whatsoever that was asked which compromised the integrity of the crime intelligence.”

His central argument: “Corruption can never be a top secret. You cannot classify corruption as top secret.”

Malema stressed that Fazel’s apparent willingness to testify should be taken seriously.

“We have to find a way to bring a willing IGI to come before this committee. His willingness is a demonstration that he’s got something to share with us. He knows what is top secret. He knows it better than me and you. He knows which areas never to converse in public.”

The Legal View

Previously, Ad Hoc Committee evidence leader Norman Arendse SC said that several attempts were made to arrange a meeting with the chair of the JSCI last yearwithout success.

“We looked at the legislation, at what was required for him to appear, and subject to the suspended IGI consulting with the president and the Minister of Intelligence, there doesn’t appear to be such an impediment to him appearing.”

The Outcome

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said the legal team and evidence leaders will contact Fazel directly.

“They will get into contact with him. The person who knows their conditions of service best is the IGI, who is currently suspended, and he is the one who must respond to our call when we say he must appear before us.”

The evidence leaders will discuss with Fazel and decide on a possible date.

The Bottom Line

Fazel is suspended. He has information. He says he’s willing to share it.

Malema’s point is simple: if it’s about corruption, it can’t be secret. The committee now has to decide whether to call himand whether the president and intelligence minister will stand in the way.

{Source: IOL}

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