R1bn expenditure slated

Auditor-general report reveals flouting of some tender processes cost police about R968m

PARLIAMENTARIANS have warned the police to get its house in order after auditor-general Kimi Makwetu found that the department incurred irregular expenditure of close to R1 billion.

The auditor-general (A-G) said some of the reasons for the irregular expenditure of R968 million related to the flouting of tender procedures in the awarding of contracts.

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on police Francois Beukman said yesterday the police must get its act together.

He said they did not want to see another qualified opinion from the A-G as “it casts doubt on the work of the police in procurement and handling of billions of rand”.

“There must be early engagement with the A-G and the National Treasury on the purpose of the audit. From the side of the committee we will monitor,” Beukman said.

MPs were unhappy with the findings of the A-G that the police blew R968m in the last financial year.

Mmule Thipe from Makwetu’s office said they found there was poor internal controls in the procurement. He said there were various instances where police did not follow processes in the awarding of tenders.

“There were contracts that were approved without the National Treasury’s approval. The R968m also relates to the contracts with sole service providers with no competitive bidding process,” Thipe said.

Phillip Mhlongo of the EFF said it was shocking that contracts were approved without getting approval from Treasury.

Angie Molebatsi of the ANC said it appeared there were no systems to address this problem. She said she was concerned there was false declaration by some of the suppliers. This related to the officials they knew in the police.

National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole said they were already investigating these matters.

“Part of irregular expenditure lies in the suspense account and that is investigated,” Sitole said.

He said they would also meet with Makwetu to deal with the issues.

Thipe said police needed to hold those responsible accountable.

“On the management action plan, management needs to hold people at lower levels accountable. Internal controls are key in any environment,” Thipe said.

Beukman said in its report it would recommend that the police needs to improve its audit outcomes. He said it was not acceptable police did not get a clean bill of health in the 2017/2018 financial year.