/ 9 August 2009

Corruption row over NW official

North West Auditor General Douglas Maphiri and four other officials in his office have been suspended following allegations that he solicited bribes from politicians in the provincial legislature to cover up cases of corruption.

Maphiri confirmed his suspension to the Mail & Guardian this week but maintained he had done nothing wrong.

Africa Boso, the spokesperson for Auditor General Terence Nombembe, released a statement this week saying his office has suspended five officials in the North West office who allegedly participated in activities that were in direct conflict with the auditor general of South Africa’s values, standards and code of ethics.

He refused to provide more details or mention names. ‘The auditor general of SA has decided to put these employees under protective suspension. This is aimed at protecting them from any perception that they might interfere with the investigation if they are at work during this process,” Boso said.

‘As in any investigation, protective suspensions are aimed at ensuring that the investigation process is credible and there are no perceived undue influences. ‘We believe and support the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

We think these employees should be afforded that courtesy. The fact that they have been suspended must not be interpreted as suggesting they are guilty.”

However, sources close to the office of the provincial auditor general told the M&G that the suspension of Maphiri and four other officials was related to corruption allegations against them.

In an interview this week, Maphiri described his suspension as a clear agenda by his bosses to get rid of him. He complained that no one within the auditor general’s office has given him reasons for his suspension.

‘What I know is that there is a sworn affidavit alleging that I received bribes from people in the provincial legislature. ‘I asked for details from Paul Serote [the auditor general’s corporate executive], but he could not provide me with anything. ‘The auditor general also could not provide me with anything,” said Maphiri.

He said he did not see any reason why the investigation against him could not proceed while he continued in office. ‘They [the auditor general’s office] can do the investigation while I am there, because I know of no wrong-doing on my part.”

Maphiri lambasted his bosses for having gone public about his suspension, saying ‘I don’t see any justification in releasing the statement, which taints my name.

He accused Serote of holding several secret meetings with officials at the provincial legislature in his absence. ‘He [Serote] was in Mafikeng in July.

Whether he was cooking the affidavit, I don’t know. There is an agenda against me,” said Maphiri.

Boso refused to comment on Maphiri’s remarks. ‘All we are saying is [contained] in the statement. We’ve stated our position that at this stage we are continuing with investigations,” said Boso.