Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of Nontsikelelo Sisulu, the Community Safety Head of Department, and Chief Financial Officer, Mduduzi Malope.
The suspensions come after the conclusion of a forensic investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit within the Office of the Premier, which uncovered financial irregularities in the department.
The case is part of the 39 forensic investigations reports that the Premier made publicly available last Sunday.
Lesufi said his intervention was prompted by a need to safeguard the department’s integrity.
He added that suspensions are a precautionary measure to ensure unbiased and fair investigations.
“The provincial government is committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct. Through proactive and corrective measures, we will strengthen governance, ensure the ethical and responsible use of public funds, and safeguard the interests of Gauteng residents,” said Lesufi.
In addition, he said the acting Head of Department and acting Chief Financial Officer will be appointed to ensure continuity of service delivery.
Crezane Bosch, DA Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, said the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has noted the delayed suspension of both the HOD and the CFO of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
“We view this as reactive governance, where issues are addressed after they escalate into crises, which is unfair to our people. Furthermore, it highlights the deep-rooted instability and governance failures within the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, which is directly overseen by Premier Panyaza Lesufi,” said Bosch.
“This department is supposed to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of Gauteng’s residents; however, leadership instability is compromising its strategic direction, operational oversight, and accountability in crime prevention programmes. These suspensions raise serious questions about the internal control systems and oversight mechanisms in place, or the lack thereof.”
Bosch said the department’s annual reports have consistently highlighted financial irregularities, yet no corrective actions have been taken.
“Why is action finally being taken now? And why only these two officials? Would it not have been more beneficial for the citizens of Gauteng to suspend these senior officials when the R9.7 million pistol procurement scandal became controversial,” asked Bosch.
“If wrongdoing is suspected, prompt precautionary measures should be taken, and investigations should be concluded swiftly to avoid prolonged suspensions and unnecessary salary expenses.”
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