An official from the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga, his brother and a businessman have been arrested in connection with personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud and corruption totaling R5.9 million.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said the three were arrested by the Hawks in Mbombela on Monday. They appeared before Mbombela Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud and corruption and were released on bail of R15,000 each. The case is scheduled to be returned to court on July 28.An SIU investigation into Cogta’s division found the businessman’s company was merely asked to submit a bid for the supply and delivery of PPE in March to deliver in 2020. After receiving the PSA contract, the company allegedly approached the Cogta official’s brother to undertake the purchase without the Ministry’s approval.
The government official allegedly financed the purchase.
Immediately after the payment was received, a substantial sum of money was deposited into the government official’s bank account, the SIU claimed.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to The Sunday Times. Only 20 R for the first month.
More Stories
Public protector’s office dealt a blow as inquiry hears damning evidence from former Sars executive
Cuba expels SA medical student for ‘kidnapping’ two women
R93m Transnet corruption case postponed to August