The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has sought and collected evidence related to allegations of serious maladministration in the Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

This after obtaining a search warrant on Thursday in the premises of the municipality.

“On Friday, November 1 at 9 a.m., the SIU, assisted by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Falcons, entered the premises of the municipality to collect evidence in accordance with Proclamation 207 of 2024 authorizing the SIU to investigate the allegations. of serious maladministration,” the unit said in a statement.

The SIU and Hawks have collected the required documentation and equipment for audit or compliance purposes regarding successful tenders from January 1, 2019 to October 18, 2024, as stipulated in Proclamation 207 of 2024.

“This includes complete records such as company registration documents, all forms of payment documents (invoices, purchase orders, remittance advices) and devices, such as laptops, mobile devices, external storage or media used by relevant committees, officials or employees. .

“The documentation also extends to all electronic data stored on these devices, including email and cloud storage, covering current and obsolete devices associated with specific personnel and positions.”

The warrant was granted by the Grahamstown Magistrates Court.

The search and seizure request follows the signing of Proclamation 207 of 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which authorized the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Makana Local Municipality involving seven appeals of offers, which was published two weeks ago.

The SIU investigation will focus on:

• Makana Bulk Sewer Upgrade Phase 1.
• Professional engineering services for a groundwater development project.
• Implementation agents for water conservation and demand management.
• Renewal of MBB Consulting’s mandate for water conservation and demand management.
• Electrification project for greater Makana and its surroundings, 11KV line.
• Host municipal emails and provide Internet services.
• Operate and manage the hot Makana landfill for six months.

“The SIU has reason to believe that a normal route of requesting information and documents would not have yielded positive results. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to approach the Grahamstown Magistrates Court for a search warrant to seize documents and computers to assist the ongoing investigation.

“Upon receipt of the allegations, the SIU requested that the municipality obtain documents that would assist it in assessing the merits of the allegations and in preparing a statement of reasons for a proclamation.

“However, the municipality did not cooperate with the SIU’s request. The SIU engaged the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) as the office was auditing the municipality at the time. The AGSA indicated that the municipality had not provided it with documents.

The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Courts Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to subpoena bank statements and mobile phone records, search and seize evidence and interview witnesses under oath to fully investigate the allegations brought before him.

The SIU is also empowered to take civil action in the High Court or a special tribunal to correct any wrongdoing discovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. In accordance with the SIU Act, the SIU will forward any evidence of criminal conduct that it discovers to the national prosecuting authority for further action. –SAnews.gov.za