Special Investigating Unit searches premises of Makana Local Municipality @KASIBCNEWS

Special Investigating Unit searches premises of Makana Local Municipality @KASIBCNEWS

SIU searches Makana local Municipality offices, seizes the phones of officials, laptops, hard drives and specific tender-related documents

On Thursday, 31 October 2024, the Grahamstown Magistrate Court granted the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) a warrant to search the premises of the Makana Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, and seize evidence that might assist with an ongoing investigation.

At 9 am on Friday, 01 November, the SIU, assisted by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, entered the municipality's premises to collect evidence that is in line with Proclamation 207 of 2024 authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration.

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

This includes comprehensive records such as company registration documents, all forms of payment documentation (invoices, purchase orders, remittance advice), and devices—such as laptops, mobile devices, external storage, or media used by relevant committees, officials, or employees. The documentation also extends to any electronic data stored on these devices, including emails and cloud storage, covering current and outdated devices associated with specific personnel and posts.

The application for a search and seizure followed the signing of Proclamation 207 of 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Makana Local Municipality involving seven tenders, which was gazetted two weeks ago. The SIU’s investigation will look into:

• Makana Bulk Sewer Upgrade Phase 1
• Professional Engineering services for groundwater development project.
• Implementing Agents for water conservation and demand management.
• Re-appointment of MBB Consulting for water conservation and demand management.
• Electrification of the greater Makana and surrounding areas 11KV Line Project.
• Host municipal emails and provide internet services.
• Operate and manage the Makana burning landfill site for six months.

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

Upon the receipt of the allegations, the SIU engaged the Municipality seeking documents that would help assess the merit of the allegations and help prepare a motivation 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 failed to furnish it with documents.

The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to subpoena bank statements and cell phone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath to thoroughly investigate allegations brought before it.

The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. In line with the SIU Act, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

Appointment Members of Special Tribunal for State Capture @KASIBCNEWS

 

Appointment Members of Special Tribunal for State Capture @KASIBCNEWS 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Tribunal President and Judges of the Special Tribunal which has a statutory mandate to recover public funds syphoned from the fiscus through corruption, fraud and illicit money flows.

President Ramaphosa has made these appointments in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunal Act of 1996 and following consultation with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

The President has appointed Judge Margaret Victor as Tribunal President with effect from today, Friday, 1 November 2024, for a period of three years.

The President has also appointed the following additional judges for a period of three years starting today, Friday, 1 November 2024:

• Judge Thandi Victoria Norman, of the Eastern Cape Divisron of the High Court
• Judge David Makhoba, of the Gauteng Division of the High Court
• Judge Brian A Mashile, of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court
• Judge Andre Henry Petersen, of the North West Division of the High Court
• Judge Chantel Moira Jennifer Fortuin, of the Western Cape Division of the High Court

Special tribunals differ from ordinary civil proceedings which are adversarial in nature.

The Special Tribunal adopts a more flexible and expeditious approach to legal actions. Its proceedings are inquisitorial in nature and characterised by extensive pre-trial investigations

Skills Audit for SAPS Management @KASIBCNEWS

 

Skills Audit for SAPS Management @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) wholeheartedly supports the adoption of the Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR) recommendation for a comprehensive skills audit of top management within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Station Commanders nationwide.

This essential audit aims to verify that SAPS leadership and Station Commanders possess the competencies required to build a professional, capable police force that can respond to both current and future challenges. By assessing the skills of these key leaders, SAPS will be better positioned to develop an agile and well-prepared management team that can confront the growing complexities of policing in South Africa.

The DA firmly agrees that this is a pivotal step toward enhancing leadership effectiveness, fostering continuous development, and ensuring SAPS aligns with its strategic goals.

In addition, the BRRR calls for SAPS to prioritise comprehensive training for Station Commanders, particularly in areas such as record-keeping, procedural compliance, and accurate reporting. Addressing these gaps will equip Station Commanders and their teams to uphold higher standards, which are essential for effective departmental operation and oversight.

Disturbingly, this year’s BRRR reported that the Detective Services programme’s performance targets have plummeted to a success rate of only 47%. Excluding the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations, that rate falls even further to a mere 28.5%. The Administration and Visible Policing Programmes have also experienced declines in performance.

These interventions come at a critical time when the rise in crimes against women and children and the growing scourge of extortion threaten the safety and stability of our society. A thorough skills audit of SAPS management is therefore essential to ensure a culture of excellence permeates the organisation from the top down.

The DA is fully committed to ensuring that this recommendation is implemented swiftly and will actively work to make certain that SAPS leadership undergoes this vital skills audit and that the recommended training programmes are put into action without delay. This is an indispensable step toward restoring trust and professionalism in the SAPS and providing South Africans with a police force that can meet their needs effectively.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE RISING TEENAGE PREGNANCY NUMBERS IN TEMBISA @KASIBCEVENTS

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE RISING TEENAGE PREGNANCY NUMBERS IN TEMBISA @KASIBCEVENTS

The rising numbers of teenage pregnancy in communities are a source of concern and require an all of society approach to address. This is the concern raised by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, ahead of a campaign focusing on tackling this issue to be held in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. 

Previously Gauteng recorded over 24 000 teenage pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 19, over 6000 of these cases were in Ekurhuleni with Tembisa being one of the most affected areas. The awareness drive aims to engage with youth, communities, and sectors of society such as faith-based-organisations, traditional leaders, and various nongovernmental organisations on the importance of preventing teenage pregnancies and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. 

Events Details : 

Date: Friday, 01 November 2024 

Time: 09:30 – 13:00 

Venue: Abundant Life Christian Church, Maokeng, Tembisa