SIU to pursue more officials in PPE probe

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has vowed to continue pursuing officials who have resigned amid its personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement probe, should evidence point to any act of criminality on their part.

While briefing the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) yesterday, SIU head Andy Mothibi said where there was evidence of wrongdoing, suspects would be criminally tried and prosecuted.

“The SIU will continue to pursue all those officials who resigned in the face of the investigations or in the face of disciplinary actions, by freezing their pensions and instituting civil litigation to recover the monies stolen, and to cover any damages that they may have caused to state institutions,” he said.

According to data received from the National Treasury, a total of R30.7 billion was spent by state institutions between April and November 2020, of which more than R13bn is subject to the SIU investigation, said the SIU.

“As at the date of the release of the progress reports and the outcomes, a total of 2 556 PPE contracts awarded to the value of over R13.3bn are under the SIU investigation. These contracts were awarded to 1 774 service providers.

“Investigations into 164 (26%) PPE contracts to the value of over R3.5bn have been finalised, 1 541 (51%) contracts to the value of R6.8bn are currently being investigated and investigations into 851 (22%) contracts are yet to commence.

“More allegations are still being received by the SIU; as such the numbers change from progress report to progress report.”

Mothibi said the investigation also revealed that political pressure played a role in the awarding of tenders to particular companies in some instances.

“It is disheartening to see state officials in all spheres of government, who have been called to serve the people of South Africa, being implicated in unlawful and illegal activities in procurement processes that are meant to benefit the public, with corrupt intent to unduly benefit themselves and their friends and or relatives to the prejudice of the state and of the public.

“If corruption is not tackled by all in society, it has the potential to weaken the state’s capacity to deliver basic services like water, electricity, roads, housing, health care and education.

“I appeal to public servants and those in positions of power and responsibility to serve the people of South Africa with integrity and pride.”

Allegations of corruption may be reported to the SIU 24-hour anonymous whistle blower hotline on 0800 037 774 or siu@whistleblowing.co.za