South Africa: Assets worth R52m seized from corruption-accused Mpumalanga govt officials and service providers

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), working with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has taken assets from Mpumalanga government officials and service providers, valued at about R52.6 million, as part of a significant campaign against corruption.

Corruption Allegations

Allegations of corruption concerning COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) bids are the main focus of the inquiry. Senior management personnel in the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works are accused of giving large PPE contracts to vendors who underperformed on their promises.

Charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering have been brought against these suppliers since it is alleged that they paid bribes to the officials and their families.

Following a preservation court order obtained by the AFU, the authorities targeted 34 locations across Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, and Western Cape provinces.

The operation resulted in the inventory of 29 properties, 31 vehicles, and a boat trailer, all valued at approximately R52.6 million.