temporarily suspended
9 October 2007
The Public Protector Advocate Lawrence Mushwana has temporarily suspended an
investigation into allegations of impropriety against Home Affairs Deputy
Minister Malusi Gigaba. This follows a decision by the National Assembly's
Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs to call Mr Gigaba to account for media
reports alleging that he misused departmental funds for personal gain.
"These are the same allegations we had started investigating. We will
temporarily suspend our investigation pending the outcome of Parliament's
investigation," Advocate Mushwana said. The Public Protector would have tabled
his findings and report to Parliament for consideration once he had finalised
his investigation. But now that Parliament is conducting hearings into the
alleged conduct of Mr Gigaba, the Public Protector felt that it would not be
prudent to continue with the investigation at this stage.
The Public Protector's office is established in terms of Chapter nine of the
Constitution of South Africa. It strengthens our young constitutional democracy
through, among others, investigating maladministration, delays in service
delivery and allegations of impropriety or prejudice by public administration
in any sphere of government.
For more information contact:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: 012 366 7006
Cell: 082 856 8188
Issued by: Public Protector
9 October 2007
