Answering questions in the legislature on Tuesday, Makhura told MPLS that criminals took advantage of the national disaster procurement regulations.

"The crooks were always watching and were always around, it's just that the system was tight enough and it was difficult to flout them. When the disaster was declared and, the emergency procurement kicked in, they pounced and undermined and destroyed a system we spent the last five to six years building, my heart is very sore,"

"This does not seem like something that just happened, it seems like it was a plan designed to ensure rules are not followed, and as quickly as possible people made a quick buck. These people must go to jail and the money must be recovered," said Makhura.

He said more work is being done to ensure the systems in place make it hard for corrupt activities to continue.

Jacaranda FM