Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The department of Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) in Free State is handling financial misconduct with kids gloves.
Their counterparts in Kwazulu Natal have dismissed a Supply Chain Director over gross negligence that cost the department R1.1 billion.
In Free State, a SCM Director, Khaya Radebe who committed the department in R27 million payment without authorisation has now returned to his position contrary to what Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae said in relation to employees implicated in asbestos case.
The commitment email sent to a service provider proved to shift the pendulum in favor of the service provider despite doing so without authority.
Free State High court Judge Deniso ruled in favor of the service provider and ordered Public Works and Infrastructure to pay two invoices totalling R27 million.
Deniso indirectly admitting the act of Khaya Radebe and Freddy Tokwe were unlawful.
“The unlawful act can produce legally valid consequences if not set aside”.
STEPUPSANEWS can confirm, the department has now initiated a process to withdraw charges against Radebe in the middle of a disciplinary hearing.
This is according to a letter from Advocate Thobeka Moleko, State Attorney to Mosa Masemene, head of department dated 9 December 2024.
Moleko asked Masemene to refer the matter to South African Police Service if there is any act of criminality.
“If it appears that the department may have suffered a financial loss through criminal acts or possible criminal acts or omission, the matter must be reported to South African Police Service, as required by Treasury Regulations 12.5.1.”
Moleko continued.
“In order for the process to be complete the employee must appear before the chairperson on the 20 January 2025 for the charges against him to be formally withdrawn.”
She emphasised the department must provide reasons for the withdrawal.
In conclusion Moleko said there is no basis in law or fact to withdraw charges.
“This is our prima facie view that there is basis in law or fact to withdraw charges against the employee unless convicted otherwise”
Paul Matlanyana, spokesperson for MEC Dibolelo Mahlatsi didn’t respond to the following questions sent to him on the 7 January 2025.
1. According to the judgment, two officials committed the department without authority and subsequently, the department was ordered to pay R27 million. Has this money been paid?
2. Has this been reported to law enforcement for corruption and collusion?
3. Will the department be recovering the money from the said officials?
4. Is it true the charges against SCM Director were withdrawn?
5. How far was the disciplinary process when charges were withdrawn?
6. Was legal advice sought before charges were withdrawn?
Warrant Officer Matoti from Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations said they do not have any record of that case.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) cannot confirm the allegations as there is no record of such an investigation.”
This is a developing story.
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