Whistleblowers at risk – public protector
PUBLIC protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane expressed frustration yesterday at the lack of cooperation by the ministers of police and state security in ensuring that protection is offered to whistleblowers in one of the investigations she is conducting in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkhwebane launched an investigation in October into allegations of maladministration‚ corruption and imprudent use of public funds by the Umzimkhulu local municipality.
The investigation is in connection with the appointment and payment of service providers for the refurbishment of the dilapidated Umzimkhulu Memorial Hall.
At the beginning of the probe‚ Mkhwebane condemned the violence and killing of councillors‚ which was alleged to be linked to the project.
She said some whistleblowers had expressed fear for their lives and appealed for her office’s intervention.
She had been engaged in talks with the South African Police Service and the State Security Agency in efforts to ensure the security of the whistleblowers.
“I am frustrated by the lack of cooperation and delays to finalise threat assessments and the determination of the level of protection to be provided to these whistleblowers.”
The investigation is ongoing.