Madame Speaker,

The IFP notes with grave concern the latest setback suffered by the Department of Correctional Services. The Minister this week conceded that 738 Correctional Services personnel had been suspended pending disciplinary action during 2005/06, with 555 of the warders on suspension for longer than 30 days. On average, these Correctional Services personnel spent 92.5 days on suspension - more than three months.

Of even more concern is the fact that suspended warders' salaries amounted to a staggering R34 million in 2005/06. The IFP finds this totally unacceptable.

The high number of fully paid suspended warders is deplorable and the IFP calls for a speedy investigation into this matter. Suspended warders should be investigated faster and their disciplinary hearings, if needed, concluded quickly so that the taxpayer does not end up footing a bill running into millions of Rands.

Thank you


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Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470