Covid graft: investigators pounce in W Cape

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) descended on the Cederberg municipality in the Western Cape with a search and seizure warrant as it extends its personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement probe.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit went in on Monday to seize documents.

It is related to a probe of the Matzikama municipality’s spending on PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic and to see whether proper procedures were followed.

Investigators were following a possible link between three companies it had flagged in the Matzikama investigation, to the ANC-run Cederberg municipality.

Kganyago said he could not reveal the companies’ names and the amounts were not available yet as the documents had to be examined first.

He said that the action was in line with Proclamation R23 of 2020, which does not require a warrant for document seizures. However, after the SIU was blocked last week, it obtained a warrant and returned.

The proclamation deals with alleged intentional misspending or loss of public money.

In a statement issued by the ANC in the Western Cape, the party said mayor Sylvia Qunta supported President Cyril Ramaphosa’s power to declare a proclamation, but took issue with the SIU’s attempt to attach laptops and private cellphones without a proclamation or a warrant.

“This kind of conduct is unacceptable, and the courts will be approached to review where appropriate. The Cederberg municipality has conducted procurement of PPE and food parcels in accordance with its recognised prescripts and policies and will assist the SIU in its investigation.

“The SIU must act with respect and treat staff members with dignity. The municipality has nothing to hide and will continue to assist the investigations as long as these are done lawfully,” the statement read.