Prisons boss cleared

2009-12-15 09:26

Johannesburg - A disciplinary hearing has cleared Department of Correctional Services National Commissioner Xoliswa Sibeko of wrongdoing, the department said on Monday.

"The findings in the disciplinary enquiry have cleared Ms Sibeko on all three charges brought against her, including the rental of private property at state expense and travel abroad with her husband at state cost," a statement read.

"Minister [Nosiviwe] Mapisa-Nqakula has extended National Commissioner Sibeko's special leave whilst she is studying the judgment and considering her options."

Sibeko was suspended in July over allegations that she rented accommodation for senior executives at "exorbitant cost" to the taxpayer.

She and her Gauteng counterpart Thozama Mqobi-Balfour allegedly rented properties in Pretoria's exclusive Woodhill golf estate at a cost of R30 000 a month, leaving their official residences empty.

Earlier this month Mapisa-Nqakula predicted the legal wrangling with Sibeko would be a "long battle" but said the post of national commissioner should be filled.

She said the department, which had such "unique challenges", should not remain without a commissioner for such a long time.
 
"Whether this one comes back or not, is another matter, we need another commissioner," Mapisa-Nqakula told Parliament on November 11.

- SAPA