Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA) has confirmed receipt of an anonymous complaint against Masechaba Sesing, Head of Department at Free State Treasury.
This follows allegations by Anonymous that Sesing is using her position to appoint friends and church members in a letter stamped by PP on the 2nd June 2023 in possession of this publication.
The complainant sent pictures to the office of the public protector as well.
We then sent questions to Tshidiso Mokokoane, spokesperson for Free State Treasury offering them a right of reply, did he not respond by asking questions including if this a matter is of public interest and why can’t we wait for PP to conclude investigations before giving us an ultimatum which included legal threats if we publish before responding to their questions.
The letter in question was confusing as it was signed by Mokokoane on a letterhead belonging to legal director, Sipho Mhlambi.
Even the inquiry number and email were that of Mhlambi.
We do not work for Treasury, so telling us when to publish and how, is not their competency.
This was not shocking as Treasury tried this when we sent questions related to PPE stories. Then, they even asked who our sources were, shocking.
After ignoring their nonsensical demands, we got a letter from Rampai Attorneys who sources say they were contracted to deal with Step Up and Public Service Commission but that’s an article for another day as we intend to write to Legal Practice Council because we believe as lawyers they ought to advise their clients.
We replied by extending an advice to Rampai Attorneys to seek a court order if they wish to block us from publishing any story and show cause in court, as to why stories can not be published.
It’s not clear how much Rampai Attorneys will charge Free State Treasury for writing letters to Step Up and PSC, even if we ask, they will send questions instead and we will ask and as a result, we will ask Auditor General of South Africa.
Free State Provincial Treasury spokesperson, Tshediso Mokokoane was afforded a right of reply he chose not to reply and if he so wishes to go to court then be it.
Ndili Msoki, acting spokesperson for PPSA confirmed the investigation.
“The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) confirms receipt of the complaint from an anonymous Complainant on 2 June 2023. The complaint has been assigned to an investigator and is ongoing.
Accordingly, section 7(2) of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994 prohibits the disclosure, by any person, of the contents of any document or record of any evidence given before the Public Protector or Deputy Public Protector during an investigation.”
This is a developing story.
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246
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