Fraud

Ten suspects arrested for over R600 million tender fraud

PRETORIA – In a continuous effort to root out malfeasance in Government, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested ten suspects aged between 34 and 60 in the early hours of today.

The simultaneous intelligence-driven raids took place in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal by a multi-disciplinary team which included Crime Intelligence and SAPS detectives. The operation follows a complaint by the National Treasury after it transpired that the suspects allegedly colluded in accessing the Amathole District Municipality funds through flaunting of procurement processes afterwards they were awarded a contract for ventilated improved toilets in the Eastern Cape. The Hawks’ preliminary investigation discovered that over R600 million was to be awarded for the contract, of which R286 million has already been paid to the suspects.

All ten (10) suspects will be appearing in the East London Magistrate’s court tomorrow, 22nd November 2019 on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Asset Forfeiture processes are underway. The outstanding collaboration with the office of the Director for Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape made it possible for the case to proceed.

The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata has applauded the team for the arrests. “This development is most welcome in our greater fight against corruption to ensure that clean and credible governance prevails. We will stop at nothing to ensure that corrupt perpetrators, be it in the private sector or government are brought to book,” she said.

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