Pretoria – The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Presidency are both studying the report by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, which found the R1.16 billion lease for police offices in Durban to be invalid.
SAPS said it had taken note of the Public Protector’s report and would respond soon.
“Unfortunately a copy of the report was only provided to the SAPS less than two hours before it was provided to the media and therefore, the SAPS will release its official response early next week,” SAPS said in a statement.
The Presidency also received and acknowledged the report on Thursday.
“The Presidency will accordingly study the report and allow the due processes of its internal discussion, and thereafter President Jacob Zuma will comment on the report,” it said.
In the report released on Thursday, Madonsela found that the lease entered into by Roux Property Fund and the Department of Public Works (DPW) was invalid.
She said there was improper conduct and maladministration on the part of both the DPW and SAPS with regards to the leasing of the Transnet building in Durban.
Madonsela called for the relevant departments to take appropriate action against SAPS and DPW officials who contravened the necessary laws and policies with regards to the lease.
The President should consider taking action against the Minister of Public Works for her actions, which were referred to in the report, she added. – BuaNews
