By Bhekisisa Mncube
Pietermaritzburg – KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says the province is on a war path against fraud, corruption and malfeasance in the public service.
Dr Mkhize was delivering his Budget Speech before the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature at midday today.
“Of the 529 convictions, those found guilty were sentenced to a total 113 years imprisonment without options and 466 years imprisonment with options,” Mkhize revealed.
He said these figures were compared to the period April 2012 to March 2013, the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit received 433 fraud dockets.
“The total actual value of money defrauded after convictions was R24 629 079. Of the 433 cases received, 431 people were convicted and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment,” the Premier said.
He said his office had established the Integrity Management Unit in the Office of the Premier and it works closely with the Internal Audit Services in the Provincial Treasury to monitor fraud and corruption.
Mkhize said: “To date, 172 investigation requests, involving R1.6-billion have been received from a wide range of sources, including Government Departments, municipalities and whistleblowers.”
During the period April 2011 to March 2012, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government fraud summary indicated that 594 dockets were received by the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit.
“The total actual value of money defrauded after convictions was R28 745 441.”
However the Premier bemoaned the space with which the wheels of justice were grinding. “We must, however, register our concern at the slow pace towards the conclusion of many matters involving billions of Rands.”
He mentioned that the Provincial Government had invested much financial and personnel resources to strengthen capacity to detect underhand activities in its operations.
“In conjunction with law enforcement agencies, such as the Hawks, the Specialised Investigation Unit, SAPS, the National Prosecution Authority and other similar agencies such as the Asset Forfeiture Unit, we would like to see more of these criminals sitting behind bars and the stolen loot being returned to the public purse,” he emphasised.
On a related matter, he said the Provincial Task Team that was set up to deal with misconduct cases and precautionary suspensions within departments has reduced the number of cases from 104 to the current 46, and the value of precautionary suspensions from R11 109 241 to R5 486 938.
“During the 2012/13 financial year 1492 misconduct cases were finalised by Provincial Departments, 80% of which within the prescribed 90 day period,” he said.
Ombudsman Bill
He reminded the House that he promised in his State of the Province Address to table an Ombudsman Bill before the Provincial Legislature in the current financial year.
“The legislation on the establishment of the Ombudsman now forms part of the KwaZulu-Natal Promotion of Good Governance Bill 2013 which was published for public comment on 29 May 2013”.
He said the Office of the Ombudsman continues to play a critical role to deal with lapses in service delivery and help create a compassionate and efficient public service.
Since its establishment, a total 614 files on complaints were opened as at 31 March 2013. “The office resolved 320 cases and 294 are outstanding. Most of the unresolved matters involve corruption, land claims and restitution,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
