KEY POINTS
- Three staff members from the Pretoria High Court have been suspended while facing investigation into allegations of fraud.
- The Department of Justice has discharged 54 individuals this financial year due to instances of gross misconduct.
- 15 cases are now under investigation by the Hawks for potential criminal action.
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) suspended three employees at the Pretoria High Court after allegations of fraud and corruption surfaced.
The OCJ announced the suspensions in an official statement issued on May 14.
According to the OCJ’s statement, the three officials are currently under investigation by the Hawks for suspected involvement in fraud and corruption relating to their work in the Court.
The OCJ stressed that it takes a hard line on fraud and corruption and suspended the officials to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
They were temporarily suspended while inquiries continue to guarantee their safety and uphold the integrity of the probe.
Broader anti-corruption drive
The officials’ suspensions are taking place in the context of an ongoing disciplinary drive by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. The department dismissed 54 officials for misconduct involving corruption, maladministration, and dishonesty.
According to Spokesperson Manase, the department concluded 164 out of 223 cases in the 2024/25 financial year. Manase shared that the resolved matters comprise 41 suspensions, 15 resignations, four exonerations and four requests for dismissal.
He said that examples of misconduct included stealing, misusing funds, being away from work without permission and giving false information. Remarkably, the most recent dismissals were all issued within this financial year. 15 completed dismissals took place during this period compared to only 9 in the preceding six months.
Criminal referrals and prosecution
The department forwarded 15 cases to law enforcement agencies to pursue legal action and uphold integrity in its operations.
