AG suspends Mohlala

By Damaria Senne, ITWeb senior journalist

Johannesburg, 16 Jan 2007

Bridget Mohlala, the embattled former CFO of the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), has run afoul of her new employer, the auditor-general (AG).

This is in addition to an allegation of theft of R110 000 during her tenure at ICASA that already hangs over her head.

"The auditor-general is investigating certain transactions within its transactional and operational management unit, headed by Bridget Mohlala," confirms AG spokesperson Africa Boso.

Boso says the AG put Mohlala under "preventative suspension with full pay", from October 2006, when the investigation commenced. "This is aimed at protecting Ms Mohlala from any perception that she might interfere with the internal investigation if she is at work during this process," he says.

Boso notes that preventative suspensions are aimed at ensuring the investigation process is credible and there are no perceived undue influences. He says the AG will take the necessary action once all the facts have been established.

'Premature to comment'

In an article yesterday, ITWeb revealed the AG employed Mohlala as the business executive of its transactional and operational management unit in December 2005. At that stage, Boso confirmed her appointment but did not disclose to ITWeb that she has since been suspended from her post.

She is currently under investigation for allegedly stealing money from ICASA's safe; a case that had already been opened at the time the AG hired her. She resigned from ICASA in November 2005.

The theft was investigated by the Bramley SAPS, which confirmed that a warrant for Mohlala's arrest was issued last year and she was released on her own cognisance following a statement by her legal representatives.

The prosecuting attorney in charge of the case also confirmed that a decision as to whether Mohlala would be prosecuted would be announced soon.

Boso would not comment as to whether the AG was aware of the theft allegation against Mohlala when she was hired.

However, he emphasises it would be premature and unfair to comment on the ICASA matter based only on speculation, as it has not been tested in a court of law yet.

ITWeb's efforts to reach Mohlala proved unsuccessful.