Cadre deployment, cross-border crime - and a R6-million funeral, but there’s hope in the Free State…

In this interview with BizNews, Roy Jankielsohn, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the Free State, gives an update on political developments in the province. He expresses the hope that with the arrest - and impending extradition from the US - of Ace Magashule’s former PA, that there will be convictions for corruption. He also details the findings of a Public Protector's report into the R6-million funeral for an MEC, in which a cap on State funerals is recommended. Another cause for optimism is the way national political developments have impacted the province’s politics where, for the first time since 1994, opposition parties have received chairpersonships of committees within the Free State Legislature. However, a huge concern remains cross-border crime, including human trafficking , drug smuggling, cattle rustling, and vehicle smuggling. But Jankielsohn has faith that the appointment of crime fighter Ian Cameron as Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, will lead to improvements in law enforcement.