COVID-19 tender deals haunt unscrupulous officials and service providers

COVID-19 crimes are haunting unscrupulous government officials and their associates.

In a case proving how futile criminal activities are, 22 senior officials who work for the Mpumalanga Public Works Department and their co-accused have lost assets and properties valued at R52.6 million to the state.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) seized the items after obtaining a preservation court order from high court in Mpumalanga.

The case is connected to crimes committed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The implicated service providers allegedly secured COVID-19 PPE tenders and did not deliver on work paid for.

“These suppliers paid substantial kickbacks to the senior management officials and their family members in different ways,” says the SIU.

According to the authorities, the investigation uncovered multiple instances of corruption, fraud, theft, and money laundering committed by the implicated senior managers and the businesspeople.

Houses, electronics, cars, household items, jewelry, arms, ammunition, bank accounts, salaries, and bail monies are among the confiscated properties.

The accused’s banking privileges have also been removed.

**Service Providers: **
– Maganeleni Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd
– Anthony Maganeleng Mashigo
– Gladness Gugu Bulunga
– Thandolwam Transport and Projects (Pty) Ltd
– Mbombela Integrated Waste Management Services (Pty) Ltd
– Orapaleng Molotsane
– Tsidi Susan Sedibe
– Superia…

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) July 23, 2024

SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the operation included serving orders at 34 locations and capturing inventories of 29 properties, 31 vehicles, and a boat trailer.

Some of the properties are located in Gauteng, North West, and Western Cape provinces.

The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the SIU Act, the SIU refers any evidence of…

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) July 23, 2024