Investigation period could be extended

The Special Investigating Unit is looking into the affairs of the master’s offices around the country in terms of Proclamation R7 of 2020, which came into effect on 3 February last year.

According to the SIU’S spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the unit is investigating several allegations in relation to master’s offices in eight of the provinces, excluding the Northern Cape.

The investigation covers the period from 1 January 2014 until January 30 2020.

“The investigations are at different stages of completion. The SIU is on track to finalise the investigation within the prescribed time frame.

“However, due to the nature of this specific investigation and the fact that the SIU receives complaints daily regarding malfeasance in the master’s offices from members of the public, the possibility cannot be excluded that the proclamation period might be extended. It all depends on the extent and complexity of additional allegations that are brought to the attention of the SIU.”

He added that the merits of each case would be considered to determine whether it should be submitted to the SIU’S tribunal.

Ramaphosa’s proclamation directed the SIU to investigate the master of the high court for:

• Maladministration in the administration of deceased estates, winding up of insolvent estates and the protection and administration of the funds of minors;

• Losses or prejudice suffered by the master’s offices or the state as a result of maladministration;

• Unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure in respect to travel, subsistence and accommodation costs for officials;

• Irregular appointment of officials;

• Interference by senior officials in pending disciplinary matters against officials or a failure to institute disciplinary proceedings;

• Procurement of contract cleaning services and payments made in respect of those contracts; and

• Payment of salaries to ghost employees.