Go figure...... Ceo suspended over rhino horn theft- The board of directors at the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency has suspended the agency’s CEO Jacques Modipane following his alleged involvement in the disappearance of rhino horns worth millions. More than 100 horns were stolen during a burglary at the agency’s offices at Mataffin in Mbombela in April. The board’s chairperson, William Lubisi, said that apart from the theft of the horns, Modipane had also been suspended because of his participation in continuous irregular expenditure at the agency. Lubisi said the decision to suspend Modipane was carefully debated. “The board took office from effective September and our mandate was to stabilise, transform and put the agency on a commercial trajectory to realise its potential. “Part of that process includes identifying and addressing the challenges that the entity has faced and working towards clarifying our vision and defining our strategy towards the achievement of our goal to be a world-class tourism destination,” Lubisi said. He said Modipane was suspended with full pay and benefits, pending the outcome of an investigation. “This process will allow a smooth investigation process to unfold without any hindrance,” Lubisi said. Speaking to The New Age yesterday, Modipane said that he was shocked about the agency’s decision to put him on suspension. “I am shocked about my suspension because the letter only states that I have been suspended regarding the theft of the rhino horns but I have got no formal charges. “The board members also stated they still needed to investigate further and take it from there,” Modipane said. He said that he would sue the board members and the agency because his suspension was politically motivated. “The reason behind my suspension is politics. “The suspension is politically motivated because I have a good profile of politics in the province. “Therefore I will take them to court. There is nothing else but only to tarnish my image,” Modipane said. Charges of housebreaking and theft are being investigated by the Hawks regarding the incident. Police said that the horns were stolen in the main strong room after perpetrators gained entry through the office’s window and broke other doors. Thereafter four suspects were arrested in connection with the theft. The accused were identified as Velly Zwane, 44, Ali Mjali, 51, Leonard Malatji, 32, and Selby Khoza, 33. The suspects are out on bail and will be appearing in the Nelspruit Regional Court on January 23. [email protected]
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 21:06:57 +0000
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