PARLIAMENT has suspended nine workers.
The workers are facing allegations in connection with the burning of the National Assembly and other parts of Parliament on 2 June 2022.
Since the incident, Parliament has launched an investigation carried out by a legal team that has identified 28 people facing serious allegations to which they must respond to.
Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said the 28 employees received a notice of the allegations under investigation on 20 October.
He said they were given an opportunity to respond or comment on the claims.
"Of those employees, 26 responded. One employee did not respond, another was in hospital at the time but has since agreed to respond to the allegations. Some employees offered satisfactory justifications for their actions, which Parliament recognised and cleared them of the allegations.
"For these individuals, Parliament is considering alternative measures such as professional development or additional training to address identified competency gaps," Mothapo said.
He said that some of the employees have not provided sufficient explanations for the allegations levelled against them. This has prompted Parliament to schedule disciplinary hearings for these employees who will be informed of the specific allegations levelled against them.
"Due to the seriousness of the allegations, nine of the 13 employees against whom disciplinary proceedings have been initiated have been suspended with full pay and benefits. This decision takes into account their senior positions and the potential impact they could have on their colleagues within the organisation," said Mothapo.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, who openly confessed in court to setting Parliament on fire, told the court that it was easy for him to enter Parliament with petrol. He said that he spent three days in Parliament before setting it alight.
Mothapo said they are doing everything in their measures to ensure that the process is balanced. He said the suspension of staff will allow the investigations to continue with integrity.
"This suspension, Parliament believes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the institution and ensuring an impartial process," Mothapo said.
