Destruction of documents at SOEs a growing phenomenon that must be addressed, SIU tells MPs

CAPE TOWN - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said that the destruction of documents at state entities is a growing phenomenon that should be addressed.

MPs also said that the issue at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) was a concern and hampered investigations.

The SIU briefed Parliament's finance watchdog SCOPA on Wednesday on its investigation into fraud and governance at PRASA. 

The SIU said that its investigations into PRASA were progressing well and a lot of matters had been referred for criminal prosecution, others for civil recoveries.

The issues investigated included those around locomotive leasing contracts, security and questionable insurance claims.

But SIU head Andy Mothibi said that the destruction of documents remained a major problem.

"An observation that was made by yourself and other honourable members, among others, is document management and the seeming destruction of documents. 
This is a phenomenon we come across in various other state institutions."

MPs suggested that entities like PRASA to lean towards technology, with Mothibi saying they should change the way entities keep documents.

"Digitisation should be the way and as part of our recommendation of course, we will recommend that."