SIU to investigate IT contracts at Water and Sanitation
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it will look closely at the Department of Water and Sanitation’s books after several tenders were flagged for irregularities.
Four IT contracts linked to EOH are now under investigation for corruption and maladministration.
The contracts, awarded between 2012 and 2017, total R474 million.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the proclamation giving the investigation a thumbs up.
“The matters came to the attention of SIU during its investigation into the affairs of DWS, which were directed by proclamation R27 of 2018, as amended by Proclamation R44 of 2019.
“The SIU was also contacted by EOH with the purpose of informing the SIU and sharing information pertaining to the alleged fraud and corruption involving former employees of its subsidiary, EOH Mthombo, and third parties who allegedly colluded with officials of DWS in relation to contracts that EOH had concluded with DWS.”
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Kganyago adds the scope of SIU investigation also covers alleged unlawful or improper conduct by DWS employees.
“The investigation will cover transactions that took place between 1 January 2012 and 30 July 2021, the publication date of the proclamation. Transactions that either took place before January 2012 or after 30 July but relevant to, connected with same persons, entities or contracts being investigated will also form part of the SIU investigation,” he says.
“The proclamation authorizes the SIU to use all its legislative powers to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath in an effort to hold those who are allegedly responsible for financial losses to account for their actions.”
The IT company has also come under scrutiny at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry where Deputy Minister of State Security Zizi Kodwa has been accused of being among several politicians who received suspicious payments from EOH.
“The SIU has been and will continue working closely with the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in the investigation of this matter,” says Kganyago.
Listen to Kganyago below:
