SIU probes R14m in COVID-19 tender fraud as asset recovery intensifies

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says recovering stolen public funds remains a top priority after uncovering alleged corrupt Covid-19 tenders valued at more than R14 million.

An SIU probe has found that a company called Tark Group unlawfully benefited from two tenders awarded by the Mpumalanga Health Department.

The company is owned by Katlego O’hara Mokonyane and lawyer Bonelela Mgudlwa

The contract in question was for the supply of 60,000 surgical masks and 150 thousand protective jumpsuits.

The SIU's investigation found that there were deep systemic flaws in the two tenders, which are valued at a collective R14 million.

It found that procurement laws were violated, including bypassing bid evaluation committees, and that a supplier without the relevant license was appointed.

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The Special Tribunal has therefore declared that the two contracts “unconstitutionally invalid, unlawful and void”.

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the Mpumalanga health department also has a case to answer.

"The special tribunal also made a judgment against the Mpumalanga Department of Health officials. The tribunal confirmed that the department issued premature promissory letters of award, bypassed mandatory bid evaluation and adjudication committees, and accepted non-compliant bids. While the department chose to abide by the application, its conduct was central to the irregularities," said Makgotho.

He added that the judgment is an outcome of the SIU's efforts to recover funds stolen during the COVID-19 pandemic.