National Library: Public Protector Seizes Documents

20 March 2002

Senior Investigators from the Public Protector�s office today made use of this institution�s powers of search and seizure for the first time since the inception of the office of the Pubic Protector in October 1995. Documents were seized from the National Library in Pretoria, following a preliminary investigation by the Public Protector of alleged nepotism, misappropriation of Library funds and misuse of assets.

A complaint involving certain information about improprieties and maladministration in the daily administration of the National Library of South Africa was lodged with the office of the Public Protector towards the end of 2001. The allegations include improper procedures in the employment of staff, improprieties in the allocation of outside contracts and tenders, improper outsourcing of work to acquaintances when personnel are equipped to carry out the tasks, improper use of credit cards and the registration of Library vehicles in employees� names.

Because of information to the effect that filing cabinets at the National Library, containing relevant files were being removed, the Public Protector, Adv Selby Baqwa SC, considered it necessary to utilize his powers of search and seizure as stipulated in Section 7A of the Public Protector Act.

Enquiries: Nicolette Teichman
Tel: (012) 322 1190
Cell: 082 333 5624

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