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Public Service Commission media statement on the Office of the State Attorney
16 August 2018
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has noted the confirmation by the Minister
of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Michael Masutha, MP, that President Cyril
Ramaphosa has signed off on a proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit to
investigate allegations of fraud and corruption in the Office of the State Attorney
(OSA) following complaints about the manner in which the Office was handling state
litigation. The PSC supports the decision to investigate fraud and corruption in the OSA.
In 2016, the PSC released a report on its assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the
OSA. Various court cases and public concern in relation to the OSA prompted the PSC to undertake
the assessment. In particular, the PSC made recommendations to improve the allocation of cases to
attorneys at the OSA and to improve controls regarding payments made to attorneys and advocates.
The outcome of the PSC’s assessment was disseminated to the Minister of Justice and Correctional
Services, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services and other
stakeholders. Minister Masutha responded to the PSC in April 2017 indicating that the PSC’s recommendations
were being implemented. In particular, it was indicated that the Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development was considering implementing a Framework Contract through National Treasury that will guide
the briefing of all private legal practitioners by the OSA and government departments who engage private
attorneys. The PSC believes that such a framework will go a long way in curbing alleged fraud and
corruption in the OSA.
The PSC’s full report can be accessed on the PSC website by clicking on the link SA Report 2016
Issued by ADV RK Sizani, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission
For enquiries, please contact: Mr Humphrey Ramafoko; Tel: (012) 352 1196; Cell: 082 782 1730; Email:
humphreyr@opsc.gov.za
National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701
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