Thirteen officials in Master of the High Court offices in three provinces are on precautionary suspension amid a Special Investigating Unit probe into allegations of maladministration. (Gallo Images /Fani Mahuntsi)
Thirteen officials in Master of the High Court offices in three provinces are on precautionary suspension amid a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of maladministration.
The allegations include improper administration of estates of deceased persons, the winding up of estates of insolvent persons, and the protection and administration of the funds of minors.
“[The probe] further looked at the alleged remuneration of fictitious officials or employees at the Master’s offices; appointment of service providers; and alleged incurring and unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure in respect of travel,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has said.
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The SIU is also investigating allegations of irregular appointments of officials and employees.
The department said it had suspended assistants, deputy Masters and estate controllers in Gauteng, Limpopo and the Free State pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of financial irregularities and maladministration in the affairs of the Master of the High Court and family law services.
Acting officials have been appointed pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The department has therefore appointed other officials to act in those positions to ensure business continuity and service delivery. Arrangements are being made for swift disciplinary processes to unfold without any undue delay,” it said.
