CEO takes leave after sexual assault claims

South African National Parks (SANParks) chief executive Fundisile Mketeni has taken special leave following sexual assault and assault complaints.

The complaints were laid against him on Friday in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park.

SANParks board chair Joanne Yawitch said Mketeni’s special leave was in line with their “commitment to ethical conduct and the seriousness of the allegations”.

Mketeni appeared in court on Monday, along with three other individuals accused of similar charges.

Two of the three are men also employed by SANParks.

“The board of SANParks views the allegations made in an extremely serious light and will allow the court proceedings to take their course and reach conclusions on the allegations,” Yawitch said.

“The board will, however, investigate whether the circumstances surrounding the allegations led to any improper or illegal conduct which may affect the employment relationship.”

In Mketeni’s absence, the managing executive for conservation services, Dr Luthando Dziba, has been appointed acting CEO.

SANParks board views allegations in extremely serious light.