South Africa says no shakeup of scorpions crime unit

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa said on Thursday its FBI-style crime unit would not come under police control, rejecting calls for a shakeup of the elite force accused of targeting President Thabo Mbeki's political rivals.

Mbeki's cabinet decided on Wednesday that the Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions, would remain under the wing of the justice ministry, the SAPA news agency quoted Frank Chikane, the presidency's director-general, as saying.

But political oversight of the unit, whose reputation has been tarnished by allegations it abused its powers in an investigation of former Deputy President Jacob Zuma, will be moved to the ministry of safety and security, Chikane said.

The Scorpions came under public scrutiny after a court ruled earlier this year that they conducted illegal searches of properties belonging to Zuma and his lawyer.

A populist once seen as Mbeki's likely successor in 2009, Zuma was charged separately last year with rape and corruption.

Zuma, who claims the charges were trumped up by his enemies within the ruling African National Congress, was acquitted of rape last month and goes on trial on the graft charges next month.

The Scorpions' involvement in the Zuma case as well as cabinet unease over their links to foreign security services stoked speculation that Mbeki would be forced to place them under police control.

Many in South Africa, however, worry that putting the Scorpions under the police - who can barely cope with one of the world's highest crime rates - could further undermine the fight against crime.

A total of 62 per cent of South Africans support keeping the Scorpions separate from the police, according to a poll released on Thursday by Research Surveys.

- REUTERS