SIU tracks testimony to snare cheats
THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is closely monitoring testimony before the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture with the intention to seek amendments to the proclamation to investigate allegations of corruption against Bosasa.
Yesterday SIU head Andy Mothibi said: “We have obtained documentation including related affidavits through the commission channels.
“We are interacting with National Treasury to assess and validate some of the testimonies, in particular Bosasa agreements and any irregularity that comes out of the commission testimonies.”
The SIU was interacting with National Treasury to follow up on the contracts and payment records.
Mothibi said they would leave no stone unturned in recovering monies lost by the state.
“If money is lost to any person or organisation we will not hesitate to ensure those monies are recovered. Where there is evidence pointing to criminal activity we will refer it to the National Prosecuting Authority.”.
If corruption pointed to any person or organisation, the SIU would also not hesitate to make any finding to be prosecuted by the NPA.
“We will make appropriate findings when officials have proved to be guilty of misconduct. We will refer misconduct evidence to the accounting authority with the expectation that action will be taken.”
Speaking at the same media briefing, Justice Minister Michael Masutha announced that his department had served Bosasa with a 30-day notice to cancel its prison food contract.
The company announced its voluntary liquidation last week after FNB and Absa banks announced they would close its accounts after its alleged corrupt activities were exposed at the Zondo commission.
Masutha said the department has developed a business plan to ensure services at prisons were not disrupted.
National commissioner Arthur Fraser said should there be disruptions, trained staff would be deployed to kitchens to assist and ensure continuity of service. “We have looked at critical skills that are required and procured through Bosasa,” Fraser said.
Masutha also said the department was investigating contracts related to electronic monitoring, the Independent Development Trust’s fencing projects and procurement of various services in KwaZulu-Natal.