/ 20 January 2010

R300m corruption in KZN social department

A forensic investigation commissioned by KwaZulu-Natal’s social development department has revealed corruption involving about R300-million, provincial minister Meshack Radebe said on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to discuss the content of the report now because there are processes that have to be followed. It is still confidential. I also don’t want to discuss it because there are people’s bank accounts that have to be frozen,” he told Sapa.

Radebe, who commissioned the investigation, said some senior officials in his department and people outside the department were likely to be arrested or face disciplinary measures.

He refused to discuss details of the alleged corruption, saying only that it took investigators six months to complete their work.

‘The matter has been referred to relevant agencies such as the police and the [asset] forfeiture unit. Criminal charges will definitely be laid against some people.”

Radebe said he initiated the investigation after he received calls from people complaining about not receiving their grants.

He also suspected funds earmarked for NGOs and community-based organisations were not handled properly.

Radebe had briefed Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize about the contents of the report.

‘He has not seen the report, but I have briefed him. The report will be tabled during the next cabinet meeting where a decision will be taken on what to do.” — Sapa