Ghost Employees in South African Police Service Spark Calls for Independent Audit

Strategic Insights -

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Mr Jan de Villiers, has formally requested an independent and immediate audit into ghost employees within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Division. The request follows the recent arrest of seven senior officials for serious corruption-related offences. The arrests have raised grave concerns about systemic corruption within Crime Intelligence, particularly in relation to payroll fraud and the possible existence of 'ghost workers' - non-existent individuals who draw salaries and benefits from the SAPS payroll.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seven senior officials, including Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo and Maj-Gen Philani Lushaba, have been arrested for serious corruption-related offences, including fraud and corruption.
  • The arrests have raised concerns about systemic corruption within Crime Intelligence, particularly in relation to payroll fraud and the possible existence of 'ghost workers'.
  • The Chairperson has formally requested an independent and immediate audit into ghost employees within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division.
  • The audit must focus on verifying headcounts against the number of personnel physically deployed and will be coordinated by the National Treasury and the Public Service Commission.
  • All Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records, must be audited within 90 days.
  • The Chairperson has emphasized the importance of rooting out corruption and reclaiming public funds for real intelligence and public safety services.

Statistics:

  • 7 senior officials arrested for corruption-related offences (Source: [Parliament of South Africa])
  • 90 days to complete the audit of the Crime Intelligence division (Source: [Parliament of South Africa])
  • The Secret Services Account has historically been flagged as highly vulnerable to abuse (Source: [Parliament of South Africa])
  • The possibility of irregular appointments, inflated headcounts and unvetted recruits of 'ghost' employees is high (Source: [Parliament of South Africa])

Sources:

  • Parliament of South Africa

[Source: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Mr Jan de Villiers, on Thursday submitted a formal request to the Minister of Police calling for an independent and immediate audit into ghost employees within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Division.]