This, as Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola is expected to launch the SIU’s Northern Cape Provincial Office on April 1.

The Northern Cape has been the only province in the country without SIU offices resulting in its cases being investigated by the neighbouring Free State and North West, among other provinces.

OFM News previously reported that a number of fraud and corruption allegations related to Covid-19 PPE tenders are under investigation in all of these provinces, with 12 currently under investigation in the North West, 11 in the Free State, and one in the Northern Cape.

Releasing several investigative reports last month, SIU Head Andy Mothibi said a total of 189 procurement corruption cases were reported to them as of November 25 last year, across different provinces.

They are expecting more cases to be brought forth.

Meanwhile, the SIU’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, in a statement says the establishment of the Northern Cape Provincial Office forms part of the new SIU strategy, which focuses on improving turnaround time of investigations, reaching expected legal outcomes and holding those implicated in malpractice and corruption, accountable.

The opening of the offices will take place next week at the Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre in Kimberley.

OFM News