Pretoria — The correctional services department has dismissed the Eastern Cape Commissioner Raphepheng Mataka, for defrauding the department of about R34 000.

Mr Mataka was found guilty by a disciplinary hearing yesterday after allegations of fraud surfaced during the tenure of the Jali Commission of inquiry into prison corruption in the Eastern Cape.

However, Mr Mataka has an option to lodge an appeal against his dismissal within five working days.

The DSC said in a statement that Mr Mataka's dismissal was evidence of the department's robust mission to rid itself of corrupt elements within its midst, despite a person's rank.

'This latest action will go a long way in sending a message to all members of the department regarding the uncompromising anti-corruption stance that the department has adopted. It will provide ample evidence of the fact that no one is above the law.'

The department urged all its members to embrace the new departmental ethos and live by the 'culture of corrections' in support of its strategy to create zero tolerance to corruption.

Meanwhile, three more Bloemfontein Grootvlei Prison correctional services officers have been dismissed.

Mr Leon Visagie, and Johnny Thoabala were both found guilty of bribery and corruption.

Thoabala was also found guilty on an extra charge of trading in dagga and unauthorised possession of government property.

Mr T. Mokhitli was found guilty of borrowing money from a prisoner.

The latest dismissals bring to more than 40 the number of employees discharged from the service since the start of the anti-corruption campaign in correctional services.