A Public Service Commission probe will determine the fate of officials involved in an alleged cover-up involving former minister Dina Pule, communications minister Yunus Carrim said on Tuesday.

Replying in writing to a parliamentary question from Congress of the People MP Juli Killian, Carrim said: “We are awaiting the outcome of this Public Service Commission report, and hope it will be finalised soon. Thereafter, we will take further legal advice and decide on what action to take.”

Carrim replaced Pule as communications minister in July after she was sacked in a cabinet reshuffle.

The minister warned that taking action before any findings were made could result in matters landing up in court, which would prove costly and time consuming for his department.

“If it is proven that [department] officials have committed any offences, of course action will be taken against them,” Carrim said.

Killian asked Carrim whether criminal charges would be laid.

“I understand that the report has been handed over to the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority for further investigation. They will indicate what action, if any, needs to be taken,” Carrim answered.

The minister said he would depend on recommendations from the police and prosecuting authority on whether any civil action would be taken against Pule to recover taxpayers’ money that was irregularly spent.

Recommendations from public protector Thuli Madonsela, who is yet to finalise her report, would also be factored into the decision-making process.

Pule was suspended and reprimanded in the national assembly in August after the ethics committee found her guilty of misconduct. — Sapa