This follows the arrest of former state security minister Bongani Bongo on corruption charges.

The Hawks also swooped on municipal managers allegedly involved in corruption in the Eastern Cape and North West, with more to follow.

The head of the crime-fighting body, Godfrey Lebeya, spoke exclusively to Karima Brown on the Fix saying the Hawks are close to bringing the looting of the VBS bank to trial.

"When we do the investigation, for us the political parties that may be involved is not of any essence. The political parties are not dictating to us, we look at the evidence," said Lebeya.

Lebeya adds that fraud charges have largely been concluded but defendants are meeting with prosecutors where settlements may be reached.

Cases still on the boil are the Estina Dairy project, and corruption within rail agency Prasa.

Lebeya cannot be specific about trial dates, but 2020 looks set to be a busy year for prosecutors.

eNCA