SANParks CEO on special leave following criminal charges
South African National Parks (SANParks) chief executive officer, Fundisile Mketeni, will take special leave from his work engagements following criminal charges laid against him on Friday, May 7 in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.
He appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on May 11 and was released on R2 000 bail.
He appeared with three other individuals on similar charges (two males employed by SANParks and a female who is not a SANParks employee).
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The case postponed to June 2. SANParks board chairperson, Ms Joanne Yawitch, said in line with SANParks’ commitment to ethical conduct and the seriousness of the allegations, Mketeni requested to take special leave until such time that this matter has been resolved and the law has taken its course.
“The board of SANParks views the allegations made in an extremely serious light and will allow the court proceedings to take their course and reach conclusions on the allegations. The board will however investigate whether the circumstances surrounding the allegations led to any improper or illegal conduct which may affect the employment relationship,” concluded Yawitch.
Dr Luthando Dziba, managing executive of conservation services, has been appointed acting CEO.
