The Special Tribunal froze the luxury property of former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) chief operating officer Philemon Letwaba, as well as two other properties, including the residence of his wife, Rebotile Malomane, in a gated community in Pretoria. The Tribunal heard evidence that these properties were purchased with funds diverted from lottery grants. Letwaba resigned from the NLC while on suspension pending a disciplinary inquiry.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has announced that its onduty officers will wear body cameras to combat corruption and bribery in South African roads. The initiative is in response to public complaints of misconduct by JMPD officers, including corruption, bribery, extortion, and kidnapping. The introduction of body cameras aims to ensure transparency and accountability among law enforcement officials.
The fight against corruption in South Africa has reached a significant milestone as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) charges two retired and one serving General of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for alleged involvement in corrupt activities. The case stems from a 2016 hiring process where the accused Generals allegedly tampered with scoresheets during interviews, leading to the appointment of an unqualified candidate.
On June 19th, 2023, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola and Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, signed a cooperation protocol agreement aimed at improving the cyber forensic capabilities of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and strengthening the relationship between South Africa and France.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been criticized for its perceived incapacity to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud, and irregularities at Fort Hare University. However, the organization has asserted its ability to conduct a thorough investigation and has already uncovered evidence that is currently being assessed.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an essential entity under the Department of Employment and Labour, has recently expressed its support for the arrest of six individuals suspected of defrauding the Fund of R2 million. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) apprehended these suspects on 10 June 2023 in the North West province. Two of the accused were previously employed by the Department of Employment and Labour, raising further concerns about corruption within the government system.
Minister Sihle Zikalala, in his role as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure in South Africa, has taken a firm stance against corrupt practices in the construction industry. Zikalala is determined to promote accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure projects and put an end to contractors taking advantage of governmentfunded projects.
Eskom, South Africa’s stateowned power utility, has been facing a host of problems, including rolling blackouts, financial turmoil, crime, corruption, and internal sabotage. The issues have become so deeply ingrained within the organization that forensic investigators have been called in to uncover the extent of the problem.
The South African Minister of Finance has denied Eskom’s request for a partial exemption from disclosing irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures, as well as material losses from criminal conduct in its annual financial statements. This decision highlights the need for Eskom to improve its operational efficiency and fight fraud and corruption before an exemption can be considered.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the Umgeni Water Board (UWB) in KwaZulu Natal. This is a crucial move that highlights the government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of state organizations and safeguarding public funds.
The Bellville Commercial Crimes Court has recently postponed the case of Paul Matthew Hatting, who faces fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges. The allegations involve a R49 million City of Cape Town tender and provides a glimpse into the murky world of tender fraud and corruption in South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZuluNatal (KZN) is calling for the former KZN Health MEC, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to be held accountable for the alleged corruption involving the procurement of mobile clinics in 2013. This case emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government departments and the need for adherence to procurement procedures.
South Africa ranks 69th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index. Corruption in government institutions is a pervasive problem that undermines public trust and diverts resources from important public services. The Gauteng MEC’s celebration of the arrest of a corrupt official is a small but significant step towards combating corruption in the country.
Cholera is a type of infectious diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacterium, which spreads through contaminated food and water. If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe dehydration and even death. ## Department of Health Assures the Public
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has made a significant step in the fight against fraud and corruption in South Africa by recovering R71.4 million linked to Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) claims. ### Misappropriation of TERS Funds
As South Africa commemorates Africa Month, it is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s strides in building a united, nonracial, nonsexist, and prosperous society. Among the key areas where progress has been made is infrastructure development, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) under the stewardship of Minister Sihle Zikalala.
