President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the Tokologo local municipality in the Free State and the Sol Plaatje local municipality in the Northern Cape.
According to the SIU, the proclamation authorises the corruption-busting unit to, in the main, probe street lights and electrification projects at both municipalities.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the state,” said the SIU.
“The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity that has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.
“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.
“The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between April 1 2015 and April 5 2024, the date of the publication of the proclamation or before April 1 2015 and after the date of the proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to the matters or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.”
Evidence of crime will be referred to the NPA
The unit added that it will refer any potential criminality uncovered during the investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the NPA for further action,” it said.
In 2023, Rampahosa authorised the SIU to probe allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of Tshwane metro and to recover financial losses suffered by the government.
The proclamation related to the construction of phase one upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the Rooiwal wastewater treatment works. – SAnews.gov.za
