Senior justice managers to face lifestyle audits

South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice are to conduct lifestyle audits on all senior managers when ‘red flags’ are picked up during the financial disclosures process done within the public service. The announcement was made by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi while she responded to parliamentary questions from ANC MP Tshiamo Tshotetsim, says a Saturday Star report. Tshotetsi sought clarity on the progress made on lifestyle audits that had been conducted on officials within her department, including those of the NPA. Kubayi confirmed that she has consistently championed the implementation of lifestyle audits as a necessary measure in combating corruption across the justice sector. ‘This is in line with the President’s directive in the State of the Nation Address of 2022 for all senior managers in the public service to undergo lifestyle audits, to detect any employees, especially prosecutors, who may live beyond their means or pose a fraud and corruption risk,’ she said. In a bid to bolster the integrity of prosecutors and quell public concern, Kubayi has instructed the NPA to conduct thorough audits that will extend beyond merely reviewing annual financial disclosures. ‘I have directed the NPA, including the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development and all other entities in the justice portfolio, to go a step further from the Department of Public Service & Administration’s prescribed lifestyle reviews and annual financial disclosures. They must be conducting lifestyle audits regardless of whether there is a red flag identified in the lifestyle review process,’ she said. In response to the directive, the NPA has engaged the Special Investigating Unit to assist in the comprehensive audit process.

Full Saturday Star report