- The South African government has today launched the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) in Midrand, just outside the city.
The new unit, which replaces the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), which was known as the Scorpions, has also been given a quick operation name, and will be known as the Hawks.
The Scorpions, who championed most of the elite investigations of corruption against the country’s top dogs, both political and business, fell off with the ruling party, and was also largely blamed for the in and out court dragging of president Jacob Zuma.
As the outgoing president just before the election, former President Kgalema Motlanthe in February signed the Amendment Act that saw the scrapping out of the Scorpions and paving way for the new unit.
The new unit that will be headed by former Western Cape Police Deputy Commissioner, Anwa Dramat, was also to consider re-engaging some of the employees of the former unit, though the government isisted all new appointments would be on merit.
President Zuma has promised to give priority to fighting corruption and crime in South Africa, saying the new unit would be well-placed for the challenge.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español