SIU uncovers widespread looting and corruption in KZN, Eastern Cape and North West municipalities

By Charles Molele

The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered widespread looting and corruption in several municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West. 

Appearing before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday, the SIU detailed how municipal officials had looted state funds for personal gain, enriching themselves, their friends, and their families. 

The SIU report to parliament focused on investigations into the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the eThekwini Metro in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality in the North West. 

Leonard Lekgetho, the SIU’s Chief Operating Officer, presented the report before SCOPA, beginning with Proclamation R80 of 2022, which authorised the investigation into the OR Tambo District Municipality for procurement irregularities. 

One investigation involved a tender originally budgeted at R20 million, but which was eventually awarded at R70.2 million to a company that was not the lowest bidder among the 10 submissions. 

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