Corruption Crackdown: Three Pretoria High Court officials suspended
Three officials at the Pretoria High Court have been placed on immediate precautionary suspension by the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) for their alleged involvement in fraudulent and corrupt activities.
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) confirmed the suspensions, which took effect on May 14.
“The three officials, who cannot be named at this time, are suspects in an ongoing investigation by the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) looking into fraudulent and corrupt activities in the Court,” the OCJ said in a statement.
The OCJ said it took a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.
“The officials were therefore placed on precautionary suspension to allow investigations to proceed without being compromised.”
Last month, IOL News reported that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had shown 54 officials the door for various offences, including corruption and maladministration.
The officials were dismissed during a major disciplinary crackdown aimed at rooting out misconduct within the department
The department said in the 2024/25 financial year, it had proactively addressed a total of 223 labour relations matters, underscoring its unwavering commitment to a ”clean, capable, and ethical public administration.”
Spokesperson for the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kabuyi, Terrence Manase, said that of these, 164 matters have been finalised, with 54 officials dismissed.
“The finalised cases also include 41 suspensions, 15 resignations, four acquittals, and four withdrawals,” Manase said.
“The remainder resulted in a range of disciplinary sanctions, including verbal, written, and final written warnings, all issued in line with due process and the gravity of each case.
He said the matters dealt with range from corruption, maladministration, misrepresentation, unauthorised absence, and abscondment.
“Other cases involved serious offences such as theft, fraud, damage to property, dishonesty, and insolence.”
“Notably, 15 of the dismissals occurred between January and April 2025, reflecting a faster pace in addressing gross misconduct.”
Furthermore, Manase said 15 matters were referred for criminal investigation and prosecution, signalling the department’s zero tolerance for serious breaches of the law.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News