STATEMENT BY THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR, ADV S A M BAQWA
SUCCESSES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The National Public Protector of South Africa, Adv S A M Baqwa, has indicated his approval of the action taken against alleged corruption in the ranks of Customs and Excise officials at the border post at Beitbridge.
The allegations against the officials are that they received amounts under the table in exchange for falsifying export documentation resulting in the exporter not having to pay export duty. It is thought that several million rand is involved.
According to police sources eight persons have already been arrested and have appeared in the court at Messina on 25 October 1995. The cases were postponed for further investigation until 13 December 1995. Bail has been set between R4 000-00 and R5 000-00 each. Further investigations are continuing country wide.
Adv Baqwa said that all efforts must be made to eradicate corruption in the state administration. There are many dedicated public servants who do sterling work, and corrupt public servants are an embarrassment to those serving the public with dedication. A sound public administration is undermined by such corrupt officials, as is the economy of the country.
He has praised the law enforcement agencies for their diligence in bringing these cases to book. He says that his office has close liaison with law enforcement agencies including SAPS and that the Constitution gives him the authority at any time prior to, during or after his investigation, if he is of the opinion that the facts disclose a commission of any crime, to bring the matter to the notice of the prosecuting authorities. It indeed happens that complaints about crime are reported to the Public Protector in the first instance, or that his investigations unearth criminal behaviour. Such matters are then referred to the prosecuting authorities. If what is complained of does not amount to a crime, but is nevertheless unacceptable or unethical behaviour, Adv Baqwa would investigate these matters himself and recommend the necessary action to deal with the problem, which may include disciplinary action against the officials involved.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR
PRETORIA, 26 OCTOBER 1995.
INQUIRIES: DR M SCHUTTE