South Africans divided on trust

ENFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

THREE South Africans have expressed a mixed reaction to their trust and faith in commissions of inquiry, and shared concerns about timelines and cost factors involved in the quest for truth and justice.

@ Karuna Mohan, 64, from Johannesburg, said she had faith in commissions of inquiry.

“Previous commissions that were covered live provided society with the truth as it was unfolding. This was a powerful process that allowed all of society and all of the government to see for themselves what was emerging.

“In addition to this, the recovery of funds has been phenomenal, with investigation costs being fully recovered.

“The spend on the commission into state capture was estimated at R1 billion.

“Thus far, R8.6 billion was recovered as corrupt proceeds which were returned to the state; R4.8 billion was collected by Sars in unpaid taxes. The NPA Asset Forfeiture Unit has issued R14 billion in freezing orders, while the SIU has initiated R64 billion in civil litigation; and 29 individuals were recommended for criminal prosecution.

“These recoveries demonstrate the effectiveness of commissions in combating corruption and recovering state assets,” she added.

Mohan said the recovery of funds should have reinforced the public's trust in the justice system.