r finance Johannes Mohlala requested Premier Thandi Modise to suspend the ongoing disciplinary process against the official, until investigations into the irregular appointment of a legal firm representing the department were finalised.

This comes after the provincial selected committee on public accounts (Scopa) instituted a multi-skilled task team probe against acting head of department Geo Paul, former and current finance MECs Louisa Mabe and Paul Sebogoe.

The three were cited as central to the questionable appointment and continued payment of Morake Incoporated, a legal firm that has been paid more than R13m in the department’s case against Mohlala and two other senior managers.

In a letter seen by The New Age, Lebea and Associates Attorneys gave Modise until 1pm yesterday to respond, and pointed out that they would approach the Labour Court on Monday to interdict the process if the premier failed to act.

Among other things, the lawyers said Modise should halt the process because the outcome of the investigations of Mabe, Sebegoe and Paul would directly impact on the hearing.

The lawyers further said that the disciplinary hearing being conducted against their client was unlawful because it did comply with the Public Finance Management Act of 1999, treasury regulations, Public Service Act and the Senior Management handbook.

The letter also questioned why 13 of the initial 32 charges against Mohlala were withdrawn “without explanation” last week.

Provincial government spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele confirmed that Modise had received the letter requesting the disciplinary suspension.

“The premier received the letter and is applying her mind into the matter. We will not be drawn to comment further because the matter is sub judice,” he said.

For more details go to http://www.thenewage.co.za