Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed her department spent over R35 million on salaries for suspended employees across the past five financial years. This revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from RISE Mzansi MP Songezo Zibi....Click to Read More >>➤

Zibi sought specific details on suspension reasons, expected disciplinary hearing timelines, and the monthly payments made to officials on suspension. The minister’s reply provided a detailed breakdown of the substantial financial impact.

According to the minister, 22 officials were on suspension during the third quarter of 2024. Ten faced allegations of financial misconduct and maladministration. These allegations stemmed from the SIU report under proclamation 7 of 2020 and the department’s own Forensic Audit Unit.

The remaining twelve officials were suspended for a range of serious offences. These included assault, bribery, and corruption. Other accusations involved fraud, gross dishonesty, and insubordination. Some cases also cited unethical behaviour and unbecoming conduct.

### Breakdown of Salary Payments During Suspensions

Minister Kubayi provided a detailed breakdown of the salary ranges for these suspended employees. The data reveals significant monthly expenditures on staff not performing their duties.

Three officials received monthly salaries between R16,000 and R19,000. Four others earned between R20,000 and R23,000 per month while suspended. One employee was paid R35,000 monthly.

Three suspended staff members received between R42,000 and R46,000. Two were paid between R74,000 and R79,000 each month. Five employees were paid gross amounts from R81,000 to R87,000 monthly.

Three individuals received between R97,000 and R105,000 per month. One official was paid a gross monthly salary of R133,000 during their suspension.

### Delays and Disciplinary Process Challenges

Kubayi acknowledged that the prescribed 60-day limit for suspensions is often exceeded. She cited the PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2003 and the SMS handbook, which state precautionary suspension should not exceed 60 days.

The minister explained that timeframes for resolving disciplinary matters vary significantly. Complex cases require more time for thorough investigation. Securing witnesses and completing further investigations also contribute to delays.

Of the 22 recent cases, 11 have been concluded. Four were finalized in February 2025, one in March, and one in April. Five cases reached conclusion in May. One concluded corruption case is currently under departmental review.

Another case, where a guilty verdict was reached for maladministration, awaits a final sanction. This is expected before the end of June 2025. Two other matters were postponed indefinitely to allow the Forensic Audit Unit to complete investigations into new allegations.

Two cases are being processed through the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council. One complex fraud case remains pending due to delays in appointing a presiding officer.

Over the last five years, 59 employees were suspended. The total cost of salaries during these suspensions reached R35,310,106.74. Of 42 finalised suspensions, only 11 were resolved within the 60-day guideline.

Thirty-one suspensions exceeded the 60-day limit. Ten of these took up to 300 days to resolve. Currently, 11 of the 17 pending suspensions have already passed the 60-day timeframe. This ongoing issue highlights systemic challenges in managing disciplinary processes efficiently within the department.

The Justice Department’s spending on suspended staff salaries underscores a significant administrative and financial challenge. As disciplinary processes continue, the department faces pressure to resolve cases more swiftly to curb further expenditure.