Briefing the media on finalised investigations on allegations of corruption over the procurement of PPEs by state institutions, the SIU Head Andy Mothibi confirmed they have found numerous irregularities at national level and across the different provinces. 

Mothibi has confirmed that a total of 189 procurement corruption cases were reported to them as at November 25 last year. He says their investigations and interactions with the National Treasury indicates that a total of R30.7 billion was spent by state institutions between April and November 2020. Mothibi highlights that of the R30.7 billion, R13.3 billion is subject to the SIU investigation.

A total of 2 256 PPE contracts were awarded by state institutions during this period and their value amounts to R13.3 billion, which is under investigation. He adds they relate to a total of 1 774 service providers across the country. About 26% of those under investigation, have been finalised while the rest are still under investigation.

“The investigations revealed, amongst others, that persons in positions of authority failed to comply with the prescripts of the procurement procedures and revealed that a number of them procured the PPE under emergency processes.”

He says investigations in these provinces and others all indicated that there was a breakdown of financial controls and supply chain management. Mothibi says it further appeared that “political pressure played a role in the procurement processes”.

His statement comes just a day after OFM News reported on how the Premier of the Northern Cape has once again distanced himself from any PPE corruption allegations stating that investigations into PPE fraud and corruption are still underway in the province and that a report provided by a team of auditors that were appointed to conduct internal investigations, has serious concerning aspects, which will soon be reported to the Hawks.

Mothibi says investigations into 851 contracts are yet to commence, and more allegations continue to be received by the Special Investigating Unit.

OFM News