The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been given authority to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) and Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the unit to conduct the investigations this week.
The SIU will probe allegations of fraud and maladministration related to six tenders at AEMFC.
“The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to National Treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state,” said Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson for the SIU.
“The investigation will probe whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by AEMFC or the State, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the AEMFC or any other person or entity,” he explained.
The SIU will also look at whether there was unlawful or improper conduct of AEMFC employees or officials to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others.
The unit will be looking at improper conduct during the period between January 2016 and November 2024.
Dihlabeng Municipality
Investigators have been given authority to look at allegations of maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality regarding the tender for the supply, delivery and installation of high-mast lights.
The SIU said that they are looking particularly at the procurement and contracting that was made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, and transparent.
The unit will look at if the municipality authorised irregular, or wasteful expenditure.
Lastly, the probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated.
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