PUBLIC PROTECTOR Selby Baqwa has criticised Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi for failing to suspend his director-general, Albert Mokoena, in the face of evidence that he was involved in corruption. Instead, the minister had given him ”special leave” pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations. This comes after Baqwa recommended to Buthelezi that he suspend Mokoena so that witnesses in the department can feel free to talk. He said on Sunday he believes Buthelezi’s granting special leave to Mokoena is unlawful in that he failed to follow procedure. Mokoena is accused of using government facilities to operate his private professional basketball team, Mecer Soweto Panthers, and of owning and managing it without state approval.