MINISTER MTHETHWA DISCOVERS ANOTHER ACT OF MISMANAGEMENT WITHIN SAPS

Investigation into the mismanagement to be conducted by an external agency, to be completed within 5 days

PRETORIA - 02 December 2011.  Following an announcement and briefing by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa in Parliament two days ago on the irregular expenditure within the SAPS, the Ministry is now zooming into division by division to monitor proper public funds spending.  As part of this assessment, it has come to the Minister's attention that another key division has been involved in acts of mismanagement and maladministration.

"As we began with zooming into each and every division within SAPS, it has come to my attention that this particular division's head, has seriously violated the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).  I have accordingly been advised by the Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that he has taken a decision to launch an immediate investigation by an external agency which must be concluded within 5 days, especially because there is empirical evidence on the table on the matter.  The person involved is not suspended but will be shifted from the division they are currently heading to ensure unhindered interference with the process, pending the investigation," stated the Minister.

He reiterated that his expectation from all officers is excellence and sound administration, particularly when it comes to senior managers who must lead the organization exemplary.  "We are proactively coming forward with this announcement to the public to avoid perceptions that we are shielding mismanagement.  As and when we discover it, we shall ensure we deal with those who are involved, without fear of favour.  We have emphasized before and shall continue to do so, that any government official, whether from the police or other department have to comply with the PFMA.  Going forward we intend to do justice and have people who are charged with mismanagement of State resources to be criminally charged and we hope by so doing, we will be able to minimize these acts." 

Minister Mthethwa was further briefed by Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi that as part of improving efficiency and effective management of with SAPS, there will be a senior management adjustment to ensure the organization achieves maximum results and continues to deliver a crushing blow to the cause of fighting crime.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police, December 2 2011

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