Ramatlhodi+accuses+Scorpions,+Moshoeshoe+Monare,+The+Star

The Star, Johannesburg, November 08, 2006 //Edition 3//
=Ramatlhodi wants to be treated like Zuma=

//Former Limpopo premier accuses group of individuals in the Scorpions of abusing their powers over graft probe//


 * Moshoeshoe Monare**

A fuming Ngoako Ramatlhodi has demanded that the state also bankroll his legal fees - if he is charged.

He has been raided by the Scorpions and is the subject of a corruption investigation, The former Limpopo premier's intention to seek state help if he is prosecuted comes after the Presidency's agreement to set aside R10-million for Jacob Zuma's defence costs.

Zuma had to sign an undertaking that he would pay the money back, if he was found guilty of corruption. If the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reinstates corruption charges against Zuma and decides to charge Ramatlhodi, the state could find itself flooded with demands from former politicians accused of criminal cases that allegedly happened during their term of office.

Ramatlhodi said yesterday: "Of course they will have to pay (my legal fees). Where will I get the money from? … (As this) happened in my term, I am entitled to it, there is no question about it.

"My lawyers will advise … (but that's only) if we reach the point (of being charged). I don't think we will."

Raids at his two houses relate to his alleged involvement in a multimillion-rand tender deal to distribute social security grants in Limpopo while he was premier.

Although chief state law adviser Enver Daniels stayed clear of commenting on the specifics of Zuma's case, he said: "You will notice that the acts committed by officials in the course and scope of their duties are covered even after they have left the employ of the state.

"The state provides assistance to employees because the state may be exposed to huge claims for damages if the officials have been found to be negligent or guilty.

"This assistance does serve to ensure that the public purse is protected against frivolous or unjust claims and that compensation is paid only in those cases where the officials involved have been found to be negligent or guilty through their acts or omissions," said Daniels.

However, head of executive and legal services in the Presidency Lindiwe Vilakazi said yesterday all applications would be considered on their own merits.

Ramatlhodi again blasted the Scorpions, referring to a group of individuals inside the unit who, he said, were on a witchhunt to eliminate political threats.

"How do you come to any other conclusion when people come after you four years after being cleared? So there must be some pressure somewhere …

"There is a group of people who have been probing for the past 10 years and are very interested in defending their positions.

"I won't mention names (but) they are now in charge, some of them are … very new in the ANC … and that's why they are killing children of the ANC, one after the other. It will not work in the long term," he said.

"They are in for a very big shock. We can't afford a situation where the organisation is hijacked by anybody and we're sent to jail under false pretences …

"I never expected that they will do this (raid), given how weak (their case was), because the issue was closed as far as I am concerned."

His sympathisers said he was targeted after referring to President Thabo Mbeki as an autocrat. Ramatlhodi refused to respond regarding his Mbeki comment, but said he would always say how he felt.

"I speak my mind when I have to. I don't really care. My interest is the unity of the ANC … If I feel that the movement might be going a wrong way, I speak."

Ironically, two senior Scorpions officers, Geoffrey Ledwaba and Cornwell Tshavhungwa, who were in charge of his case, were themselves arrested for unrelated corruption charges.

"The abuse of power is frightening," Ramatlhodi said.

He was supported yesterday by Cosatu, which described the raids on him as "the continuing "Hollywood-style harassment".

Both Cosatu and Ramatlhodi slammed the NPA for conducting a second round of raids on Ramatlhodi and some of his friends despite their legal challenges against the searches and seizures.

"Cosatu opposes all forms of arbitrary victimisation. The Scorpions/NPA are continuing to show contempt for due legal process and for court orders. It is not an agency that respects or can be trusted to defend the law," the union federation said.

"Nobody is safe when an agency with unlimited powers and resources is running wild in this way, and refusing any kind of restraint.

"Cosatu repeats its long-standing call for the reintegration of the Scorpions into the SA Police Service and a speedy end to the elective prosecutions of choice which have been the sole contribution of the regrettable Scorpions experiment."

NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said "we will do the talking in court".


 * From: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3526946**

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