The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed on Tuesday it has dismissed 27 officials for misconduct.
The department said it recorded 81 appeal matters, of which 55 were dismissals, 25 suspensions, and one a warning. These appeal matters were lodged by officials who were found guilty of various cases of misconduct.
“Out of 81 appeals lodged, the Department has to date, finalised 31 appeal matters, of which 27 dismissals which were upheld and four were reduced to sanctions.
The nature of the misconduct ranged from fraud, theft, sexual harassment, bringing the Department into disrepute, absenteeism, abuse of state vehicles, and insubordination. The Department is committed to finalise all the appeals lodged with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the department said.
It said it will continue to strengthen its internal controls to combat intolerable conduct of officials that seeks to undermine the ability of the Department to deliver justice services effectively and efficiently.
“The Department is confident that the finalisation of the appeals and all related disciplinary processes would serve as a deterrent to other officials from committing misconduct and other forms of unprofessional conduct. The consequence management meted against these officials underscores the Department’s commitment to clean governance,” it said.
The outstanding appeal matters are currently being processed expeditiously and will be finalised in due course.
The Department said it remains committed to the professional working environment and the rule of law, and will continue to double its efforts to ensure transparency and accountability to the public.