'Ghost payroll' spiral

AG: OVER 1200 CASES PROBED AS OFFICIALS FACE CALLS FOR PROSECUTION >>> Education dept slated over failure to curb fraud.

- Masoka Dube

The Mpumalanga department of education is under fire after the auditor-general (AG) revealed a staggering R19 million in salary overpayments to deceased and terminated employees more than triple the R6 million flagged the previous year.

The department confirmed at the weekend it is investigating 1 270 cases linked to erroneous payments, amid growing public outrage and renewed calls for accountability.

The department was reacting an article in The Citizen's that it had spent R1.8 billion on ghost employees and approving housing allowances without following procedures.

"The department is finalising investigations into 1 270 cases of salary overpayments amounting to R19 million and recovery processes are already underway in line with Treasury regulations," said department of education provincial spokesperson Gerald Sambo.

"Most overpayments result from administrative delays, such as late reporting of deaths or resignations. When these are identified, the department immediately initiates recovery from beneficiaries."