Johannesburg – In a major disciplinary crackdown 54 officials have been fired from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for various offences including theft, fraud, damage to property, dishonesty, and insolence.
Announcing the move on Tuesday, (15 April 2025), the department said it
has intensified its internal accountability measures and has made a significant milestone in its efforts to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability within the public service.
The department said in the 2024/25 financial year, it proactively addressed 223 labour relations matters, “underscoring its unwavering commitment to a clean, capable, and ethical public administration”.
The department added: “Of these, 164 matters have been finalized, with 54 officials dismissed, a clear demonstration of the Department’s firm stance against misconduct.
“The finalised cases also include 41 suspensions, 15 resignations, 4 acquittals, and 4 withdrawals.
“The remainder resulted in a range of disciplinary sanctions, including verbal, written, and final written warnings, all issued in line with due process and the gravity of each case.”
The department said the matters dealt with range from corruption, maladministration, misrepresentation, unauthorised absence, and abscondment.
“‘Other cases involved serious offences such as theft, fraud, damage to property, dishonesty, and insolence,” the department said.
“Notably, 15 of the dismissals occurred between January and April 2025, reflecting a faster pace in addressing gross misconduct.
“Furthermore, 15 matters were referred for criminal investigation and prosecution, signalling the department’s zero tolerance for serious breaches of the law.”
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, welcomed these developments, emphasising the importance of “rooting out” individuals who compromise the integrity of the justice system and hinder Access to Justice.
The Minister has noted that these outcomes should serve as a stern warning to those who seek to defraud or corrupt the Department.
Minister Kubayi also lauded the speed and efficiency with which these matters were handled, stating that it dispels the myth that the state is slow or incapable of acting decisively especially in dealing with dismissals of officials for misconduct.
The minister said this firm approach aligns with the broader government’s anti-corruption agenda and reflects the Department’s commitment to clean governance.
Minister Kubayi further acknowledged the department’s support of cross-sectoral efforts to combat systemic corruption.
The department said it remains resolute in upholding constitutional values, safeguarding public resources, and restoring confidence in the justice system.
