MAFIKENG MAIL – MAHIKENG: President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation R 138 of 2023 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
Proclamation R 138 of 2023 authorises the SIU to probe the procurement and/or contracting for construction of Phase 1 upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality or the State.
The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity.
The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 January 2018 and 22 September 2023, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 January 2018 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.
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 National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
