OFM News previously reported that the Chief Engineer in the Lejweleputswa district office was merely sent on a month’s unpaid leave and got a written warning for charges that include contravening the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA), dishonesty, and dereliction of duty. According to a written answer to a question in the Free State Legislature a total of six officials were charged and found guilty. The charges and sanctions were as follows:

•Chief engineer at Leweleputswa found guilty on charges of contravening the PFMA, dishonesty and dereliction of duties. He got a month’s suspension without pay and a final written warning.
•Second government official found guilty on charges of contravening the PFMA and dishonesty. He got one month’s suspension without pay and a final written warning.
•Third government official found guilty on charges of contravening the PFMA and negligence. He only got a final written warning.
•Fourth government official found guilty on charges of contravening the PFMA and dishonesty. He got only a final written warning.
•Fifth government official found guilty on charges of contravening the PFMA and dishonesty. He got a final written warning.
•Sixth government official found guilty on a charge of contravening the PFMA. He got a final written warning.

The Free State department of Police, Roads and Transport has been making headlines for paying millions in upfront payments to road contractors. 

Also read: Free State Department accused of making shady payments

The latest information – contained in an answer to a question in the legislature - does not give details of the background that led to these internal charges and hearings. DA MP George Michalakis says they will table follow-up questions to probe the matter further.

OFM News