By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorised to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct by officials at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and the Department of Home Affairs.
The proclamation at Home Affairs will see the unit investigate transactions in a 20 year period between October 2004 to February 16, 2024, while at Prasa, they would investigate in a 14 year period between January 2010 and February this year.
The probe will look into the awarding of tenders for the supply of train locomotives to Swifambo Rail Leasing and the supply and maintenance security access management system tender at train stations by Siyangena Technologies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the proclamation following the State Capture Commission report, which probed maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud at the state-owned entity.
The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place from 2010 to 2024.
Spokesperson Kaiser Kganyago says the investigation will also include the employment of ghost employees.
“The SIU will also investigate serious maladministration in the affairs of Prasa relating to fraudulent liability claims processed and paid by Prasa’s Group Insurance Department, including claims paid as one-time vendor payments.
“The probe will also extend to the employment of ghost employees identified by Prasa’s Project Zivese in August 2021.
“The SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses. The SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.”
“The SIU will also investigate improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs in relation to the installation of T200 firewalls,” Kganyago added.
“Proclamation 154 of 2024 empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Home Affairs relating to the issuance of — permanent residence permits; corporate visas; business visas; critical/exceptional skills work visas; study visas; retired persons’ visas; work visas; and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the Department.”
The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, though investigations also cover dates before or after this period if they are relevant to matters, entities or contracts being investigated.