/ 20 August 2004

Ngcuka’s CEO in graft probe

Public service investigators are probing corruption allegations against struggle hero Marion Sparg, CEO in National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka’s office.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) this week confirmed that Sparg, who is well known for her past role in Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), is being probed by the Public Service Commission for alleged tender misconduct.

The commission is responsible for investigating and monitoring the conduct of public servants. As chief executive, Sparg is in charge of all corporate services in the NPA.

The Mail & Guardian this week learned that the commission is investigating Sparg, and that last month it took possession of boxes of alleged documentary evidence.

The public service investigators, who were given office space at the NPA’s headquarters in Silverton, near Pretoria, in order to conduct their probe, have interviewed Sparg and other senior NPA officials on several occasions.

The M&G understands that the commission ordered the probe after it received anonymous complaints accusing Sparg and other NPA officials of corruption.

A former MK guerrilla who was arrested in 1986 for bombing the John Vorster Square police station in Johannesburg, Sparg joined the NPA in April 2000.

The allegations against her centre on two NPA tenders issued in 2001. Sparg may have difficulty explaining her role in the awarding of subcontracts to a sister’s fiancÃ