SIU probing PPE tenders

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it wanted to speedily investigate the more than 600 Covid-19 contracts worth more than R5billion awarded nationally.

Addressing the standing committee on public accounts, SIU head Andy Mothibi said they were well resourced, and their teams were hard at work to ensure they delivered on time.

“In the process of reallocating resources, we prioritise this one. We are going to use some of the expert resources that we have access to,” Mothibi said.

His colleague, Leonard Lekgeto, said there were 658 contracts valued at R 5 083 478 584 under investigation.

Chief investigating officer Pranesh Maharaj said the allegations, which were the subject of a proclamation, involved the procurement of PPE, hospital and quarantine sites, food parcels, ventilators, disinfecting equipment and motorised wheelchairs.

“The allegations involved certain affairs of state institutions in the national, provincial and local spheres of government in relation to the procurement of goods, works or services in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Maharaj said.

Mothibi said their investigations included an integrated approach with a focus on civil litigation. He said they wanted to ensure they prosecuted those who were responsible.

“My guide and directions to the teams is that we need to make sure when we do investigations, the authorisation levels must move at all levels from officials, accounting officers, executive officers or any other person who would be involved in these irregularities wherever evidence takes us. We should not leave anyone out,” he said.

Mothibi told MPs that they were on track to report to President Cyril Ramaphosa within the six-week interval.

“I am satisfied that we are making progress, so we should be on target to make the first six-week report to the president.”