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Corrupt officials 'stole R80m from fund'

AN ESTIMATED R80million has been defrauded and stolen from the Guardian's Fund by corrupt justice officials and syndicates, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said yesterday in Pretoria.

Radebe said since February this year there had been an investigation that involved the Hawks, special investigating unit and national prosecuting authority into allegations that corrupt officials in collusion with syndicates had defrauded the Guardian's Fund of about R80million.

The fund falls under the administration of the master of the high court and was created to hold and administer funds paid to the master on behalf of various people such as minors, people who are incapable of managing their own affairs, unborn heirs and missing or absent people.

"Several corrupt officials give out particulars of the legitimate beneficiaries," Radebe said.

"The syndicates are able to make use of fraudulently obtained identity documents to apply for and claim as a beneficiary."

One syndicate member had claimed 15 times for the same beneficiary.

He said "the tide was turning" against the corrupt officials and he hoped to see them behind bars soon.

Radebe said that in the 2009-10 financial year there had been 26 fraud cases, 25 cases of theft and 70 cases of negligence.

He said that of the 121 cases of financial misconduct, 60 cases were dismissed, while there were 60 convictions and one case was still pending.

He said 21 staff had been dismissed, 19 had been given final warnings and 20 had received warnings.

The total value of the 60 cases where convictions were recorded was R30million. One case alone involved R29million. So far between R300000 and R500000 had been recovered.

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