Pretoria: Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has instituted disciplinary proceedings against the department’s Director General (DG), Advocate Doc Mashabane. This comes as the department grapples with circumstances leading to the delay in the commencement of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, known as the Madlanga Commission.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister made the announcement during a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon. She explained that she was notified on Friday that the commission would not be able to commence hearings on 1 September as previously announced due to delays on the side of the department. Kubayi emphasized that intervening in the procurement process without compromising compliance with PFMA and SCM policies was practically impossible. She reported the situation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who then delegated the Minister of Justice the powers to institute disciplinary proceedings against the DG.
The department’s ICT Deputy Director General (DDG), Jabu Hlatshwayo, has also been placed on immediate suspension pending an investigation and disciplinary process. This decision was made due to the failures in the system and the inability to ensure the commission starts on time.
Kubayi stressed that despite these setbacks, the commission has begun preliminary work, including interaction with witnesses. She reaffirmed the commitment to ensure that the commission begins its work without further delays and to improve the department’s operational efficiencies to prevent similar issues in the future.
During a question-and-answer session, the Minister expressed her disappointment regarding the delay in the hearings. She underscored the importance of rebuilding the brand of the NPA and building confidence in the JCPS. The Minister noted that failing to conclude the commission in a timely manner would impede their work and demoralize those committed to working effectively within the cluster.
The establishment of the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was announced by President Ramaphosa following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding a criminal syndicate influencing law enforcement, the NPA, and intelligence services. The commission’s hearings are set to be held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, with the date to be announced by the commission.