Justice Dept says not enough budget to cover Madlanga Commission's extension

The Justice Department says it does not have enough money to cover the costs of the six-month extension of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating police corruption.

However, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says she’s already approached Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to consider an additional budget allocation.

Of the R147 million budgeted for the Madlanga Commission, R123 million has been spent so far.

Presenting the department’s annual performance plan to Parliament on Tuesday, Kubayi has also raised concern about the cost of the protracted Nkabinde Enquiry investigating the fitness to hold office of the Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke.

The Justice Department is currently footing the bill for three inquiries.

Chief financial officer Rofhiwa Singo said at present, the Madlanga and the Khampepe Commissions are operating well within budget.

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But more money will be needed to allow the Madlanga Commission to complete its work.

"For the next six months, we have requested more funding and that may be higher than we initially requested, because of the time frames that are tight."

Kubayi said an additional budget allocation to fund the August extension date could be made through the adjustments budget later this year.

"We wanted assurance from the Minister of Finance to be able to give us these resources so that we don’t kill critical performance areas in the department."

However, Kubayi said the Nkabinde Enquiry is akin to a disciplinary process, which is proving very costly.

"We do have concerns about that funding, because we now have to carry that cost."

She said while the Khampepe inquiry was initially underfunded, that gap has now been closed.