[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

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