Scandalous safety and security HOD fired
Mpumalanga’s controversial head of community safety, security and liaison, Thulani Sibuyi, has been relieved of his duties due to ‘personal problems’, the Office of the Premier reported on Tuesday.
Sibuyi (37), who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court last week for alleged drunk driving and impersonation of a police officer, was kicked out by Premier David Mabuza after both parties acknowledged that Sibuyi’s problems had damagingly affected his work portfolio.
“After having some discussions with the HOD, we felt that he should recuse himself from his position since his responsibility of leadership has been compromised by his personal problems,” Mabuza said in a press statement.
According to media reports, Sibuyi was convicted of drunk driving in 2008, and was arrested in August 2013 in connection with the awarding of security contracts worth R7 billion for government offices.
“In his case we wanted to leave those matters to court; however recent allegations have compelled us to give him time to reflect and clear himself. We received his resignation letter and we have accepted it,” said Mabuza.
The move comes after opposition parties called for the suspension of Sibuyi last Wednesday.
“It is unacceptable that someone of such a high stature in a department tasked to enforce road safety is accused of such serious road offences,” said Democratic Alliance provincial leader Anthony Benadie in a press release.
According to reports, Sibuyi, who is out on bail of R50 000 for his role in the security contract scandal, is scheduled to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on 23 November to stand trial. It has also been reported that 18 tenders were awarded illegally to security companies by his former department.
Sibuyi is facing charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act together with his alleged accomplice, Vusi Mashaba of GNT Security Company.
Sibuyi took up his position as the department’s HOD in 2011.
Mabuza explained that an acting head of department would be appointed soon while processes of employing a permanent head of department were carried out.
“The Premier has appreciated Mr Sibuyi’s contribution in the provincial government of Mpumalanga in the past two-and-a-half years and wished him well in his future endeavours,” said Office of the Premier spokesperson Zibonele Mncwango. – The Write News Agency