Environmental dept suspends 8 officials following graft probe
Eight officials in the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Department have been suspended today for their alleged involvement in the irregular awarding of tenders.
The Auditor-General earlier flagged nine multi-year contracts valued at over R2 billion - awarded by the Waste Management Bureau.
Minister Barbara Creecy instituted an independent forensic investigation - looking at whether there was misconduct, fraud or corruption by officials; if the department got value for money - and what losses were incurred.
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The probe found prima facie evidence of irregular appointments and possible fraud and corruption in six of the contracts worth over R1.2 billion.
The department's Albie Modise said: "The department is in the process of taking disciplinary steps in respect of misconduct identified in the report and all system recommendations outlined in the forensic investigation report will also be implemented in due course.
"With respect to the three remaining tenders with a combined value of R822 317 398.32, the investigation found no evidence to indicate misconduct by officials or loss suffered by the department. The department has placed them on precautionary suspension."
