LIMPOPO. – Three suspects have been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption relating to a security tender worth approximately R16 million at the Blouberg local municipality. The company linked to the investigation has also been charged.
Captain Wendy Nkabi, Hawks spokesperson, says the arrests were made on Wednesday with the assistance of Polokwane's tactical reaction unit by the Hawks. The investigation began in 2024 after complaints about alleged irregularities in the awarding of the tender were filed with the Hawks.
It is alleged that the company that was awarded the tender did not meet certain mandatory tender requirements. This included the possession of a specific number of firearms. The Hawks allegedly established that firearm serial numbers submitted as part of the tender documents were linked to firearms of other security companies. Investigators also found that certain certificates in the company's profile and some certification stamps on documents were allegedly forged. The dossier was then submitted to the Polokwane specialised commercial crime unit (SCCU), after which warrants were authorised for the three suspects.
The suspects are expected to appear today on charges of fraud and corruption in the Senwabarwana magistrate's court.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
