- Hawks stop R23 million payment
- This security company has already been paid R26 million
- “Rest assured, everyone involved in the facilitation of payments to the security company without following rules will be arrested. We are investigating the recovery of everything purchased with monies stolen from the municipality.” – Hawks
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A payment of R23 million to a security firm that was illegally appointed by three directors in the Matjhabeng Municipality was stopped by an interim court order obtained by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.
This security firm is said to be one of four appointed by the three members of the municipality’s executive management team during the 2019-’20 financial year.
This security company has already been paid R26 million.
The Free State High Court granted the interim order on Friday (28/07).
In 2021 the Hawks based in Welkom opened an inquiry into allegations of fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act involving municipality officials and a security company.
These allegations were based on the flouting of procurement rules in relation to the appointment of the security company.
Further investigations revealed that the security company had been appointed without a contract.
The Hawks could only find an appointment letter confirming a three-month employment period, yet said security company continues to work for the municipality.
This company also applied to court in an attempt to attach the municipality’s bank account. It claims the R23 million is an outstanding payment.
The interim court order obtained by the Hawks put a stop to further payment, and the matter is set for 24 August for a final court order.
Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI, also known as the Hawks) in the Free State, says investigators are relentless in their pursuit to finalise this investigation.
“Rest assured, everyone involved in the facilitation of payments to the security company without following rules will be arrested. We are investigating the recovery of everything purchased with monies stolen from the municipality.”
Tshediso Tlali, spokesperson for the municipality, says they are aware of the Hawks’ intervention.
“We are deeply impressed by their dedication. Their efforts to uncover corrupt practices play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our municipality.
“We remain steadfast in our resolve to work hand in hand with the Hawks and other relevant authorities.
“Together, we will continue to implement measures that discourage corruption, but promotes transparency, accountability and good governance,” he concludes.
