POLOKWANE – Three suspects, aged between 37 and 57, have been arrested by the Hawks’ serious corruption investigation unit in Polokwane, with the assistance of members from the Polokwane tactical response team, in connection with allegations of fraud and corruption relating to a security tender valued at approximately R16 million at the Blouberg local municipality.

The security company linked to the investigation has also been charged.

The investigation originated in 2024 after complaints were lodged with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation regarding alleged irregularities in the awarding of a security tender by the municipality.

It is alleged that the company ultimately awarded the tender did not meet certain mandatory requirements stipulated in the tender specifications. The investigation further revealed allegations that the company submitted firearm details and certified documents that were not genuine.

Among the mandatory requirements for the tender was possession of a specified number of firearms. Complainants who had also submitted bids for the tender raised concerns that the successful bidder allegedly did not meet this requirement.

Hawks make arrest at OR Tambo International

During the subsequent investigation, the Hawks allegedly established that firearm serial numbers submitted as part of the tender documentation were linked to firearms belonging to other security companies. Investigators also allegedly established that certain certificates included in the company’s profile were fraudulent and that some certification stamps appearing on documents submitted as part of the tender were also allegedly fraudulent.

Following the investigation, the docket was submitted to the Polokwane specialised commercial crime unit for a decision. Warrants of arrest were subsequently authorised, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects on Wednesday 23 September.

The suspects are facing allegations of fraud and corruption and are expected to make their first appearance before the Senwabarwana magistrate’s court on Friday 25 September.

The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, Major General Adv Gops Govender, commended the investigating team for their diligent work and continued efforts to investigate allegations of corruption involving public procurement.

ALSO READ: Tembisa Hospital fraud: Hawks make arrest at OR Tambo International Airport