Zuma commissions SIU probe into KZN treasury

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has commissioned the special investigating unit (SIU) to investigate KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial treasury for corruption and maladministration.

According to a statement yesterday, the SIU will probe the provincial treasury’s appointment of service providers to the internal audit and infrastructure and economic development unit.

The unit will investigate the following allegations:

Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the treasury.

Improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of the treasury.

Unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.

Unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive acts, transactions, measures or practices having a bearing upon State property.

Intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.

Unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof.

Zuma’s announcement came as the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet addressed the media about resolutions taken at its lekgotla in Durban, which finished yesterday.

Provincial treasury head, Simiso Magagula, said the department was aware of Zuma’s actions.

“The department will co-operate with the unit on any investigation into the allegations,” he said.

Mkhize said provincial government had a list of forensic reports that were not acted on, years after being handed to the premier’s office.

Head of provincial secretariat of the planning commission, Frikkie Brooks, said government was concerned about delays in implementing recommendations of the reports. Mkhize said she was unsure of the exact number of the reports, “but we do have a list of cases, and in different stages. There is a comprehensive list.”