Home Affairs man suspended

2003-08-16 21:57

Sphiwe Mboyane

Johannesburg - The department of home affairs' director of communications, Leslie Mashokwe, has been suspended for allegedly abusing office equipment and being disrespectful to the department's top officials.

Besides the disappearance of office equipment, City Press understands the department has compiled a lengthy dossier on Mashokwe, listing a litany of allegations against him.

Home affairs director-general Barry Gilder confirmed that Mashokwe had been suspended, but would not reveal the reasons.

"I cannot reveal the substance of the allegations against him.

"An internal disciplinary inquiry is going on. It would not be appropriate to make public something that has not been proved or disproved," said Gilder.

He said the department expected to conclude its investigation in the next few weeks.

Sources close to Mashokwe told City Press there was a perception that he was disrespectful to his seniors.

"The relationship between Mashokwe and former acting director-general Ivan Lambinon had deteriorated and I have a feeling things are not hunky-dory between Mashokwe and Gilder," said a source.

A staff member said rumours about Mashokwe's suspension had been doing the rounds for weeks.

Efforts to contact Mashokwe were unsuccessful. However, he is reported to have denied the suspension, saying he was on leave.

- City Press