The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says the dismissal of 54 officials is “a clear demonstration of (its) firm stance against misconduct”.
It says in a statement that the crackdown reflects the fact that the Department “has intensified its internal accountability measures”.
It characterised the dismissals as part of “a significant milestone in its efforts to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability within the public service”.
These cases arise from 223 “labour relations matters” addressed in the 2024/25 financial year. The “matters” range from “corruption, maladministration, misrepresentation, unauthorised absence, and abscondment”, as well as “serious offences such as theft, fraud, damage to property, dishonesty, and insolence”.
The Department says that, of the 223 cases, “164 matters have been finalised, with 54 officials dismissed, a clear demonstration of the Department’s firm stance against misconduct. The finalised cases also include 41 suspensions, 15 resignations, 4 acquittals, and 4 withdrawals. The remainder resulted in a range of disciplinary sanctions, including verbal, written, and final written warnings, all issued in line with due process and the gravity of each case.”
“Furthermore, 15 matters were referred for criminal investigation and prosecution, signalling the Department’s zero tolerance for serious breaches of the law.”
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi is quoted as saying that “these outcomes should serve as a stern warning to those who seek to defraud or corrupt the Department”.
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