The Department of Correctional Services has placed its IT head, deputy commissioner Jack Shilubane, on precautionary suspension, as it investigates the auditor-general's (AG's) “serious concerns”.
Insiders at the department reveal Shilubane was escorted from the building on Tuesday, following a “heated” conversation with national commissioner Tom Moyane and CFO Siphiwe Sokhela. Shilubane's laptop was confiscated and office sealed, pending the arrival of investigators.
Departmental spokesman Manelisi Wolela confirmed Shilubane's suspension late yesterday (Wednesday).
“The precautionary suspension follows serious concerns that were expressed by the auditor-general of SA on the state of IT in correctional services, as well as on procurement and possible contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The constitutional presumption of innocence is upheld and the precautionary suspension is instituted to give the investigation, commissioned by the national commissioner, space,” he said.
“A number of concerns raised by the AGSA will be dealt with as part of the process initiated by the national commissioner.”
Last month, the AG told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services that it had qualified the department's financial accounts for a third year running. This was based on its inability to verify the valuation, completeness and existence of both tangible major and minor assets.
Additionally, management had been unable to supply supporting documents for the tangible major assets adjustments to the value of R129 million included in the department's opening balance.
The presentation highlighted a “lack of effective, efficient and transparent systems” within the department, which resulted in inadequate quarterly reporting on performance information.
The AG included in its recommendations that “basic systems” for performance information reporting be implemented.
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