By Sello Masilo
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has initiated disciplinary actions against 14 officials from the Master’s Office following a report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that exposed significant misconduct and maladministration. Justice Minister Thembi Simelane announced the department’s decisive steps during a session in the National Council of Provinces, highlighting ongoing reforms to restore accountability and integrity within the Master’s Office.
The SIU investigation, which commenced in 2020, uncovered a series of illegal activities within the Master’s Office, implicating 14 officials. These individuals, ranging from senior managers to junior staff, were accused of misconduct, contraventions of the Estates Administration Act, and violations of the Companies Act. Three of the implicated officials are no longer with the department, but the Justice Ministry is exploring alternative mechanisms to ensure that these individuals still face consequences. Among the remaining 11 officials, one senior manager and ten middle managers and junior staff members are under scrutiny.
Minister Simelane stated, “The department addresses, as per the SIU recommendations, the allegations included misconduct, intimidation, and contraventions of the relevant legal provisions.” She further emphasized the importance of the department’s commitment to integrity, mentioning that additional forensic and internal audits were commissioned to investigate deeper allegations of impropriety.
The SIU report highlighted numerous areas of concern, including the mismanagement of deceased estates, the irregular appointment of liquidators, and the unauthorized expenditure on travel and subsistence. Several officials from the Master’s Office were implicated in manipulating processes to favor particular liquidators and in the illegal handling of the estates of minors and incapacitated individuals .
In light of these findings, swift action has been taken. One official has been dismissed following a guilty verdict, while another resigned just days before their disciplinary hearing. Another individual received a three-month suspension without pay, with further charges pending. The disciplinary processes for the remaining officials are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Minister Simelane reaffirmed the department’s commitment to accountability, stating, “The resignation does not prevent the department from proceeding with other potential consequence management-related proceedings.”
Simelane emphasized that reforms at the Master’s Office are crucial to combating corruption and enhancing service delivery within the justice system. She pointed out that the department is implementing the SIU’s recommendations to prevent future misconduct and improve efficiency. A turnaround strategy has been introduced, aimed at bolstering customer service at Master’s Office service points and restoring public confidence in these institutions.
Bart Henderson, a veteran fraud investigator, praised the department’s actions, describing the investigation as one of the most significant anti-corruption efforts undertaken by the SIU. Henderson expressed concern over the deep-seated corruption within the Master’s Office, highlighting the detrimental impact it has had on the economy and the public’s trust .
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