Pretoria - The disciplinary action against the man accused of molesting young girls in Beaufort West is at an advanced stage within the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
This follows the South African Broadcasting Corporation, during its Special Assignment programme, broadcasting clips showing a social welfare official from the SASSA in Beaufort West molesting young girls and filming himself while having sex with one of them.
SASSA's Chief Executive Officer Fezile Makiwane said on Thursday the man was currently on suspension and the disciplinary process was in process alongside the criminal investigation.
"The region in which he works has been directed to fast track the disciplinary process, the minister is outraged and has instructed us to finalise the matter without delay," Mr Makiwane said.
The man, who appeared in court on Monday, has been charged with statutory rape. His case was postponed to 2 March 2008 for further investigation.
Social Development Minister Dr Zola Skweyiya said the alleged behaviour of the man was outrageous, despicable and totally unacceptable.
"The very essence of SASSA and the Department of Social Development is to protect and assist the most vulnerable members of our society, we cannot have our own staff members violating children," minister Skweyiya said.
He said that while everyone has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the department viewed the allegations in a very serious light, hence the suspension and disciplinary hearing.
Minister Skweyiya urged members of the public to report acts of abuse to social workers and the police.
He further urged social workers to provide utmost assistance to the families of the affected children in Beaufort West.
