Justice Minister puts DG on ice over delays on SAPS graft inquiry

JOHANNESBURG - Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi has suspended the department’s Director General (DG), Advocate Doctor Mashabane, over delays in setting up the police commission of inquiry.

On Monday, she briefed the media following a statement from the commission, announcing that it will not begin as planned, placing the blame squarely on the department.

The commission was set up to investigate explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last month (July).

The minister announced that the suspension of both Mashabane and the Deputy (DG) for ICT for failing to procure the vital equipment.

She said that when she became aware that they would not meet the deadline to start the Madlanga Commission of inquiry on Friday, she reported it to President Cyril Ramaphosa with a full report.

“Detailing the suspension of Mashabane and the ICT DDG, she’s been asked why it was the director general, Advocate Mashabane, who had to be suspended.”

Kubayi said intervention would have resulted in a violation of procurement and supply chain processes.

However, she conceded that certain issues could have been avoided by the administrators in the department.

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