President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) authority to investigate allegations of significant maladministration within the Tokologo Local Municipality in the Free State and the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape.
The SIU is now set to investigate street lights and electrification projects in both municipalities as part of its anti-corruption efforts.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State,” the SIU announced. “The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.”
The investigation will look to establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money at the municipalities.
“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 April 2015 and 05 April 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 April 2015 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to the matters or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated,” the SIU said.
The unit will refer any potential criminality uncovered during their investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the NPA for further action,” the SIU concluded.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
