The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Hawks seized cellphones, laptops, hard drives and tender documentation from the Makana municipality on Friday.
This comes after the Makhanda magistrate’s court granted the SIU a warrant to search and seize evidence that might assist with an ongoing investigation.
The warrant was issued on Thursday.
The SIU and Hawks collected documentation and equipment required for audit or compliance purposes regarding tenders from January 1 2019 to October 18 2024.
This includes company registration documents, payment documentation such as invoices, purchase orders, remittance advice, and devices.
The application for a search and seizure followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Makana municipality involving seven tenders.
It was gazetted two weeks ago.
The SIU is looking into tenders involving:
- The Makana bulk sewer upgrade phase one;
- Engineering services for groundwater development projects;
- Implementing agents for water conservation and demand management;
- Reappointment of a consultant for water conservation and demand management;
- Electrification of the greater Makana and surrounding areas 11KV line project;
- Host municipal emails and provision of internet services; and
- Operation and management of the Makana burning landfill site for six months.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said a normal request for information and documents would not have yielded positive results.
“Hence, it was deemed necessary to approach the magistrate’s court for a search warrant to seize documents and computers to assist with the ongoing investigation.
“Upon the receipt of the allegations, the SIU engaged the municipality seeking documents that would help assess the merit of the allegations and help prepare a motivation for a proclamation.”
However, the municipality did not co-operate with the SIU’s request.
“The SIU engaged the auditor-general of SA [AGSA], as the office was auditing the municipality at the time.
“The AGSA indicated that the municipality failed to furnish it with documents.”
He said the SIU was empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath to thoroughly investigate allegations.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the high court or a special tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.
“In line with the SIU Act, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.”
Municipal spokesperson Anele Mjekula said the municipality was aware of the SIU investigation.
“At the stage, I can only confirm that we were aware of the SIU investigation and the search and seizure which is under way,” he said.
He said the municipality would issue a statement later on Friday.
In an earlier statement, Makana mayor Yandiswa Vara said the municipality had welcomed a team from the SIU on Tuesday.
Vara, her mayoral committee and officials met with a three-member team from the SIU.
The purpose of the visit was to introduce themselves.
According to the statement, the meeting touched not only on the investigation but also on how the process would unfold and for how long.
Vara said that the municipality would comply with information requests.
“We believe the investigation will also assist the municipality in terms of getting to the bottom of a number of unresolved issues.
“It was agreed at the meeting that the SIU team will come back to Makana municipality to address the full sitting of council, so that both the political and the management components of the municipality would know about how the investigation will be conducted.”
HeraldLIVE
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.