An investigation into allegations of an illegal appointment of a Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has revealed that the appointment was fit and proper.
The investigation follows media reports (“Lucky ex-con now top prisons official”) alleging that the department flouted its own employment policy when Deputy Commissioner Lucky Lempiditse Thekisho was hired.
Chief Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources, Mr. Teboho Mokoena who led the investigation, confirmed that due process was followed in the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Thekisho. “With regards to the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Lucky Lempiditse Thekisho, upon receipt of the allegations on 7 September 2012, the Department of Correctional Services immediately commenced an investigation.
The investigation has been concluded, and it has been found that, in line with the relevant legal framework, due process was, indeed, followed in the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Thekisho. Interviews for the post of Deputy Commissioner: Employee Relations were conducted on 27 June 2011, and an appointment letter to Mr. Thekisho was issued on 18 July 2011. Mr. Thekisho commenced duty at the Correctional Services Department on 1 August 2011,” said Mr. Mokoena.
Prior to his appointment at the Department of Correctional Services, from 2006 to July 2011 Mr. Thekisho was employed as Student Advisor at the University of Pretoria, Chief of Staff, Legal Advisor and Principal State Law Advisor at the Office of the Premier: Northern Cape Provincial Government.
Mr. Thekisho declared the fact that he was imprisoned from 1984 to 1992. On 30 December 2004, the President decided to pardon him in respect of his convictions and the convictions were expunged from his official criminal record. In 1993, when he was 28 years of age, he returned to school to complete his standard nine, and completed his matric in 1994.
In 1995, he enrolled at the University of Pretoria. Mr. Thekisho has been admitted as an Attorney, and his qualifications include: BLC in law, LLB, LLM (specialising in Labour Law), Certificate in Advanced Labour Law, Certificate in Legislative Drafting and Certificate in Human Resource Management.
Enquiries:
Mr. Teboho Mokoena
Cell: 071 641 8298
