Groenewald suspends top correctional officials as Hawks probe coal tender fraud
A criminal case has been officially registered with the Hawks.
The Department of Correctional Services in South Africa has suspended four senior officials, including the chief financial officer, in response to explosive fraud allegations over a coal supply tender. The Hawks have officially registered a criminal case following the serious allegations, and a forensic investigation is underway to determine the full extent of any irregularities.
Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald vowed that corruption "will not be tolerated" in his department, emphasizing that those responsible will be prosecuted. Additionally, eight officials may be suspended following the escape of convicted offender Edward Khomotso Madiba, who broke out of Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre and is serving a 20-year sentence for various crimes.
The Department of Correctional Services confirmed it has served eight officials with notices of contemplation of suspension pending an investigation. A forensic probe will determine whether infrastructure failures, faulty security equipment, or negligence contributed to the escape. Rooigrond Medium A, where Madiba was held, has been rated "unsatisfactory" by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services due to various infrastructural issues, prompting renewed calls for urgent repairs and improved security infrastructure.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Citizen's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
