How the NPA's Scorpions unit achieved industry-leading conviction rates, investigated the Arms Deal and top politicians, and was disbanded after a 2007 ANC resolution — with lasting consequences for accountability.
South Africa had the most effective corruption-busting unit in the country's history. It had a conviction rate of over 90%. It was investigating the most powerful politicians in the country. And then it was voted out of existence by the people it was investigating. The best crime-catching squad in the country was shut down by the people they were catching. It is like if the best teacher who caught cheaters was fired by the cheaters.
Expenditure figures linked to the story: The Scorpions: Rise, Success, and Political Destruction
Total value of the Strategic Defence Package (Arms Deal) investigated by the Scorpions from 2001 to 2009. This is the total deal value, not the confirmed corruption amount. The Scorpions never concluded this investigation — it was transferred and then dropped.
Approximately R70bn — exact figure not confirmed.
Assets and contraband seized by the Scorpions between 2005 and 2007 — R1 billion in assets plus R1 billion in contraband.
Approximately R2bn — exact figure not confirmed.
Parliamentary travel voucher fraud investigated and prosecuted by the Scorpions in the Travelgate affair. More than 30 MPs convicted.
Approximately R35m — exact figure not confirmed.
Total tracked: R72bn