Cape Town - A Correctional Services Department (DCS) official is chopping and changing lawyers in a protracted disciplinary hearing that stems from a 2016 investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), MPs heard.
SIU official Naomi Jose said that in April 2015 former national commissioner for prisons Zacharia Modise ordered an investigation into the contracts of design and management of five prisons, including Brandvlei in Worcester, and to conduct conditional assessments in 221 correctional facilities.
Allegations were that Masetlaoka Scott Wilson Pty Ltd was irregularly appointed for the latter and that the company may have had corrupt relations with DCS employees.
In an ongoing case, the SIU wants the refurbishing contract, estimated to be worth R183 million, set aside and DCS reimbursed.
In a twist of events, on June 3, 2017, the SIU recommended Modise be subject to a disciplinary hearing. Modise has since resigned.
On the same day, Jose said, the SIU also made a referral that DCS’s then-acting chief financial officer Nandi Mareka be subject to a disciplinary hearing.
“It was last set for September 7 and DCS is awaiting a new date as she constantly changes attorneys,” Jose said.
The SIU also referred DCS director: professional services Lauren Katenga for a disciplinary hearing, but she was slapped with a warning.
A DCS official explained that she was given a warning after she gave critical information in the case.