The Department of Communications has suspended two of its officials, pending an investigation into alleged fraudulent transactions amounting to about R4 million.
The suspension was carried out in November, following a three-month internal investigation by the department, with the help of a private investigator.
The case has since been reported to the commercial branch of the South African Police Service.
The department says that upon detection of irregular and fraudulent transactions, it launched a full-scale investigation that resulted in the suspension of the employees.
Albi Modise, acting chief director of the department, says the identity of the suspended officials cannot be disclosed, as the case is at a sensitive stage and might jeopardise the investigation.
"The case is in the hands of the police, and the department together with the police are working around the clock to get to the bottom of this," he says.
"As much as we owe the public an explanation, as we are dealing with public funds, we do not want to pre-empt the investigation or reveal the names of the alleged accused."
He says the department will wait for the police to provide the final findings of the investigation, and only then will it be in a position to provide the public with further information.
"Should the investigation reveal that there has been some misuse of the department`s funds, the police will be able to determine the nature of the charges to be brought against the alleged culprits," says Modise.
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