The Department of Justice & Constitutional Development’s ongoing clean-up campaign in the Master’s Office, which was started in 2020 after a proclamation, continues to expose deep-rooted corruption involving some of its suspended senior officials.

In the latest development, City Press reveals how the department suspended and fired some officials who were found to have played a role in the liquidation of African Global Operations (AGO), formerly Bosasa Operations.

After receiving a tip-off, the department launched an investigation last year, which revealed that the liquidation of AGO had been done irregularly.

The departments probe discovered that the file and liquidation process of AGO was removed from its jurisdiction in Johannesburg to Pretoria without a valid reason or the approval of the department.

This led the department to take action against the officials involved. It charged some officials with misconduct and fraud.

AGO was put into liquidation in 2019 after receiving billions in government contracts and paying hundreds of millions in bribes.

City Press reported that the department had enlisted the service of the Special Investigating Unit after allegations of misconduct, corruption, fraud and other irregularities against some of its officials.

DoJ spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi, said the allegations of corruption and irregular appointments within the Master’s Office are taken seriously and are under rigorous scrutiny. 

‘The integrity of our judicial processes and the individuals who uphold them must be protected against baseless claims. The department and Masters remain committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in all our operations and ensuring that the insolvency process remains robust, impartial, and in strict adherence to established protocols.’

She also dismissed allegations that the Master’s Office was captured by a group of individuals in conjunction with officials of the department.

Full City Press report