By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ) has dismissed 54 officials for offences, including theft, corruption, fraud and dishonesty.
The dismissals were announced as part of a broader initiative, to clean house, target employees across various levels who have violated ethical and professional standards.
The DoJ said in a statement: “The cases involve serious offences, including bribery, falsification of records, and deliberate neglect of duties. Unauthorised absences and abscondment, where officials abandoned their posts without approval, also featured prominently, disrupting critical operations and eroding public confidence.”
The department said in the 2024/25 financial year, it proactively addressed 223 labour relations matters, “underscoring its unwavering commitment to a clean, capable, and ethical public administration”.
The department added: “Of these, 164 matters have been finalized, with 54 officials dismissed, a clear demonstration of the Department’s firm stance against misconduct.
“The finalised cases also include 41 suspensions, 15 resignations, 4 acquittals, and 4 withdrawals.
“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.”
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, welcomed these developments, emphasising the importance of “rooting out” individuals who compromise the integrity of the justice system and hinder Access to Justice.
The Minister has noted that these outcomes should serve as a stern warning to those who seek to defraud or corrupt the Department.
Kubayi also lauded the speed and efficiency with which these matters were handled, stating that it dispels the myth that the state is slow or incapable of acting decisively especially in dealing with dismissals of officials for misconduct.