Hawks swoop on NW Department of Agriculture
The Hawks raided the Department of Agriculture in the North West on Thursday - a day after Supra Mahumapelo stepped down as premier of the province.
The elite crime-fighting unit is searching for evidence relating to what is believe to be rampant corruption in the department.
Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi could not confirm if any particular government official is being targeted, saying it will compromise the integrity of the investigation.
The probe began in March.
Mulaudzi says the the information seized at the offices will help the unit prepare a docket for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“We are of the view that there is rampant corruption that took place in that department, there are individuals we are looking at, and based on that we will get all the information, analyse it and prepare a proper docket for the NPA.”
The Hawks previously confirmed it is investigating allegations that North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo gave a herd of cattle worth R1.5 million to former president Jacob Zuma.
The raid could also be related to documents, relating to a multi-million rand tender, that were seized during a raid at Mahumapelo's offices in March.