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The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA) says the former MEC for Agriculture Mr Saki Mokoena has taken necessary steps in dealing with irregularities in the department during his tenure.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Free State Province, led by its Secretary General and party Whip in Legislature Commissar Malefane Msimanga, opened a case of fraud at Parkweg Police Station in Bloemfontein against the officials of the Department of Agriculture and businesses involved.
The EFF alleges that over R3 million that was meant to buy cattle for the traditional leadership in the Free State was paid out to service providers without the knowledge of the accounting officer and the CFO of the department; however, according to the party, invoices were submitted to the department in pretence that services were provided, but to date, none of the services have been rendered.
DARDEA has since come out to clarify the matter stating that they had conducted their own internal investigations, in which they have identified apparent irregular transactions in relation to unaccounted for funds and procurement and delivery of cattle during May 2024.
According to the department, the former MEC Mokoena took appropriate steps towards the irregularities. DARDEA says Mokoena exercised appropriate oversight responsibility and required that the matter be investigated and further action be taken where required.
“Upon the preliminary internal inquiry, these matters were respectively reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and its internal Audit Unit for further investigation. The Department notes the recent criminal cased opened on apparently similar matters. The Department encourages everyone to avail information to the relevant authorities.
Law enforcement agencies and other processes must be given an opportunity to conclude their investigations. We condemn in the strongest possible terms any act of fraud and corruption in the public service. Fraud and corruption erodes public trust and confidence and hinders economic development and the delivery of services to communities. The Department will continue to work hard to ensure clean government, transparency and accountability,” said MEC Rockman.
The EFF has since reacted and dismissed the response as a cover up to protect MEC Saki Mokoena, the party says it is however happy that department has acknowledged the irregularity, even though the former MEC Mokoena denies them; they are actually contradicting each other.
The EFF says it is vindicated for opening a criminal case against the officials of the department as DARDEA has acknowledged wrong doing. The EFF in its statement expressed satisfaction to hear that the matter is with the HAWKS and called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct their work diligently and allow no political interference; and for those involved to experience the full might of the law.
The EFF has since committed to follow the matter closely.
