Issued by: Office of the Presidency
8 August 2002
President Thabo Mbeki on Monday (5 July) signed a Proclamation in terms of S2(1) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.
The Proclamation authorized the Special Investigating Unit to investigate, with regard to the Department of Correctional Services, any:
a) serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Department;
b) improper or unlawful conduct by officials of the Department;
c) unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property;
d) unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice having a bearing upon State property
e) intention or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property
f) corruption in connection with the affairs of the Department; or
g) unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has, caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof.
The investigations will focus on any of the above matters, which occurred between January 1996, and today, the date of Publication of the Proclamation.
The Proclamation is due to be published today in the Government Gazette.
Commenting on the proclamation, Bheki Khumalo, Spokesperson for the President, said the move would underscore the Government's absolute determination to combat corrupt and other improper or unlawful actions at all levels.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133
Paul Setsetse on 083 252 4770