By Johnathan Paoli
The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Commercial Crime Investigation (CCI) unit in the Western Cape has confirmed that a large-scale police operation targeting alleged corruption and tender fraud worth approximately R1.6 billion is underway across the Cape Town metropolitan area following information provided by a whistleblower.
Police spokesperson Andre Traut confirmed that the action, which began executing coordinated search-and-seizure warrants at 26 addresses in the early hours of Wednesday, forms part of an effort to secure both documentary and electronic evidence linked to alleged fraudulent activities involving the City of Cape Town.
“The intervention follows information received from a whistleblower and subsequent preliminary investigations conducted by both the City of Cape Town Municipality and SAPS. The identified addresses include business premises, private residences of municipal officials, and locations linked to individuals and entities that were awarded contracts by the Municipality,” Traut said.
The operation, still ongoing, marks one of the most extensive crackdowns on municipal tender-related fraud in recent years.
According to Traut, the targeted contracts are valued at approximately R1.6 billion, with search and seizure warrants duly obtained to facilitate the investigation.
The operation is designed to uncover the full extent of alleged corruption and fraud, ensuring that public resources are safeguarded and accountability is enforced.
Traut said the coordinated effort underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to decisively address corruption and safeguard public resources, urging the public and stakeholders to allow investigators to carry out their work without interference.
Reports indicated that the internal investigation was initially conducted by the city’s urban mobility directorate, with city manager Lungelo Mbandazya reportedly flagging concerns to the Hawks, prompting law enforcement to obtain warrants and launch the current operation.
Safety and Security MMC Jean-Pierre Smith, confirmed that the raids were linked to alleged corruption and fraud within the urban mobility directorate.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasised the city’s support for the operation.
“We will always do all we can to root out any malfeasance when we become aware of it. We’re supportive of their action, and our own internal processes, in fact, spurred this action,” said.
The addresses targeted during the raids span a mix of business premises and private residences of municipal officials, as well as properties connected to entities that have received municipal contracts.
Police officers and investigators are meticulously collecting documents, financial records and electronic data to piece together potential irregularities in contract awards, procurement processes and payment authorisations.
The city and SAPS have called on the public to remain patient as the investigation unfolds, indicating that further updates will be provided once initial evidence has been assessed and key findings emerge.
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