Gauteng govt to release forensic investigative reports on 88 staffers

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng provincial government is set to release forensic investigative reports to the public after 88 of its employees have had to undergo "consequence management" for abuse of state resources.

The announcement was made during a media briefing on Wednesday, after a series of probes dating back to 2016.

The investigations covered a wide range of issues, including fraud, procurement irregularities and death threats within the provincial government.

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The Health Department accounts for the largest portion of the Gauteng government’s budget.

Out of the 47 forensic reports, 16 come from the Health Department, the most of any portfolio in the provincial government.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says 55 criminal cases have been opened with police as a result of the reports.

“We are not going to defend anyone, and we are not going to tolerate any form of crime or corruption. Where we believe that we need to act, we will act. That’s why wer'e doing so.”

At this stage, the Gauteng government is yet to publish reports.