SIU to investigate Home Affairs and PRASA
JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorised to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct by officials at the Department of Home Affairs and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed two proclamations authorising in light of these allegations, with the unit also having the goal to recover any financial losses suffered by the State going back at least 10 years in the case of Homes Affairs and 14 years in the case of PRASA.
“The SIU will also investigate improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs in relation to the installation of T200 firewalls,” a statement from the SIU read.
“Proclamation 154 of 2024 empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Home Affairs relating to the issuance of - permanent residence permits; corporate visas; business visas; critical/exceptional skills work visas; study visas; retired persons’ visas; work visas and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the Department,” the statement continued.
Allegations
The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct between October 12, 2004 and February 16, 2024, though investigations also cover dates before or after this period if they are relevant to matters, entities or contracts being investigated.
Proclamation 153 of 2024 empowers the SIU to probe offences that were committed against the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act of 2004 in connection with the affairs of Prasa in relation to the award of tenders for the supply of various train locomotives to Swifambo Rail Leasing Pty Ltd, and the supply and maintenance of an integrated security access management system at various train stations to Siyangena Technologies Pty Ltd.