- When was Forensic Audit Formed?
- What are its Core Functions and Services?
- What Happens When You Report a Complaint?
- Who does Forensic Audit Report To?
- How Do You Tell People About Your Services?
- Will I Remain Anonymous?
1. BACKGROUND
- The Western Cape Provincial Cabinet formally approved the establishment of a designated Anti-Corruption Unit during 1999.
- This unit was subsequently named the "Directorate: Forensic Audit".
- Forensic Audit is a directorate of the Branch: Legal Services which is part of the Department of the Premier.
- The current staff complement consists of 13 officials.
2. FUNCTIONS Our core function is the investigation of reported matters relating to alleged fraud, theft and corruption in instances when:
- Officials of the Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) are implicated; and/or
- State funds / assets are involved.
- This unit renders assistance to departments with the process of disciplinary and /or criminal action.
- All trends identified are reported to Accounting Officers to assist them in the prevention of future recurrences.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED
- Reporting of criminal cases to the SAPS
- Monitoring progress of the pre-trial process
- Assist the prosecutor in preparing for the trial
- Assist with the compilation of charge sheets
- Testify in court
A "One-Stop-Shop" for Government Departments and Officials!
ENCOURAGING COMPLIANCE
- Conduct financial investigations
- Educate through effective communication
- Recommend the improvement and / or implementation of internal controls.
3. PROCESS OF REPORTING A COMPLAINT a. Receiving Complaints
Alleged irregularities are received via the following mediums:
- 24 hour toll free reporting line
- A website, where government officials and members of the public can report alleged corrupt activities anonymously
- Cases are also directly reported to our unit by departments.
b. Database
All reported matters are registered on a database.
The database details:
- Nature of the allegation
- Department where the alleged irregularity occurred
- Disciplinary and or criminal action
- Value of the loss incurred
- Financial recovery
Allocation of matters
- The Directorate: Forensic Audit provides a service to all 13 departments of the Western Cape Government
- Reported matters are allocated to auditors according to priority or as listed on the Forensic Audit database.
Audits / Investigations
A standard procedure is followed when conducting investigations which include the following:
- Collection of documentation
- Consultation and reporting
- Testify in disciplinary and, if necessary, criminal hearings.
4. REPORTING MECHANISMS
- We report to the Head of Departments, the Audit Committee and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
5. INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE AWARENESS
The PGWC is committed to the fight against corruption and many departments have instituted various channels to raise awareness across the Province. Examples are:
- Toll free hotline by Department of Social Development
- Reporting mechanism for vehicle misuse by the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Western Cape Education Department.
- Website/Hotline by the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH): 0800 701 701
- Raising awareness through presentations, promotional material and pay slip messages.
Forensic Audit is available, 24 hours a day, to respond to all reports of fraud theft and corruption.
6. YOUR ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED
The Western Cape Government has committed to creating a province that celebrates and honours the equality, dignity and spirit of all people. We call this determination, a Home For All .
National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH): 0800 701 701 |
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