Hawks detectives descended on the provincial capital of Bhisho on Thursday, conducting a raid at two department of public works & infrastructure offices in connection with an investigation into allegations of tender fraud and corruption involving about R32m.
The raid, according to police insiders, was part of Hawks’ investigations into two “dodgy” multimillion-rand security systems tenders awarded by the department for two Mthatha offices housing government departments.
The tenders in question, worth a combined R32m, had been awarded to one company in 2023, with work still ongoing.
According to insiders, procurement processes were not followed when the two contracts were awarded.
The raid, which according to insiders took more than seven hours, saw the provincial detectives confiscate laptops, cellphones and documents.
Public works MEC Siphokazi Lusithi’s spokesperson, Siyabonga Mdodi, late on Thursday confirmed the raid and that items had been confiscated.
Mdodi also confirmed that the Hawks investigations were related to procurement processes for the security systems that were installed at the department’s Botha Sigcau and KD Matanzima buildings in Mthatha.
Both buildings, in the Mthatha CBD, house various government departments.
It is understood that on Thursday, Hawks detectives raided the UIF building in Bhisho’s Phalo Avenue, where the security management unit of the department is housed.
They also made their way to the department’s headquarters at the nearby Qhasana building in Bhisho’s Independence Avenue.
Mdodi said the raid had focused on three departmental officials.
“During the Hawks visit, three departmental officials were engaged, and their laptops, phones and certain files were seized for the purpose of the investigation,” Mdodi said.
“MEC Lusithi has requested a comprehensive report from management on these developments and its implications for the department’s operations.
“She has also instructed all affected officials to fully co-operate with the investigation.”
A number of insiders on Thursday said the raids allegedly related to two security systems tenders awarded in 2023 for the Botha Sigcau and KD Matanzima buildings.
They said the probe related to projects for security systems such as the installation of biometrics, metal detectors, and scanners for thumb and facial recognition.
The two tenders, awarded to the same company, insiders said, were valued at R16m each, and were allegedly awarded in a “dodgy way”.
While the work is said to be still ongoing, attempts to get comment from the company involved were unsuccessful on Thursday.
The Hawks were said to have descended on the scene at 9am, and by 5pm, were apparently still on the scene.
Hawks provincial spokesperson Lt-Col Avele Fumba said the unit’s serious corruption investigation team had executed the search and seizure operation in Bhisho.
He said the raid was part of an investigation into allegations of tender fraud and corruption at public works, involving about R32m.
“During the operation, Hawks investigators confiscated several electronic devices and documents for further investigation.
“We urge anyone with information relevant to this case to come forward and assist with the investigation.”
EFF MPL and provincial secretary Simthembile Madikizela on Thursday said his party welcomed any initiative aimed at addressing corruption.
“The department of public works is one of the most critical departments, and we are closely monitoring its activities.
“We expect it to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of the province through its extensive property portfolio.
“Any attempt to disrupt this important mandate must be dealt with decisively,” Madikizela said.
“Furthermore, individuals involved in corruption or irregular procurement processes must be arrested and held accountable without delay.”
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.