The Public Protector extends deadline for comments on draft report on SAPS leases

The Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, has noted with concern persistent suggestions that relevant organs of state are not cooperating on her investigation into contested lease agreements for SAPS office accommodation.

As previously mentioned, the interim report has been sent to the various parties for comments.

The DPW has submitted their comments albeit a few hours later than the original due date of the 03 January 2011. The Public Protector is awaiting comments from SAPS by the 23 January 2011, having extended the deadline to this date before Christmas 2010 at the request of SAPS. The National Treasury, which is not under investigation but was requested to make comments, has also been granted an extension to 21 January 2011, at its request.

“I need to state that the SAPS requested an extension for operational reasons on the shortly after we sent the draft report on the investigation and that such request was granted. It is therefore improper to allege that the SAPS has missed the deadline since the deadline had long been extended by 03 January 2011. In fact, SAPS has fully cooperated in every possible way throughout the investigation”, Adv Madonsela emphasised.

“On receipt of comments from all parties that have been given the draft report and invited to comment, such comments will be evaluated and where necessary, integrated into the report”, Adv Madonsela added.

The Public Protector aims to release the final report at the beginning of February 2011.

Issued by:

Mogomotsi Mogodiri
Outreach, Education and Communication
Public Protector South Africa
(012) 366 7059
0836965771
mogomotsim@pprotect.org 
www.publicprotector.org