The Special Investigating Unit(SIU) has welcomed the dismissal of the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works,Roads and Transport Deputy Director of Property Management,Kobus Sifiso Mkhabela for his involving in COVID-19 PPE tenders corruption.
The SIU investigation has unearthed a scale of corruption,theft and money laundering which happened in Mpumalanga during COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement mentioned that the dismissal follows an SIU disciplinary referral.An SIU investigation revealed that Mkhabela is one of the senior management officials who awarded multi-million Rand COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) tenders to suppliers who did not deliver the services.These suppliers paid substantial kickbacks to the senior management officials and their family members in different ways.The investigation uncovered multiple instances of corruption,fraud,theft,and money laundering committed by senior managers and service providers involved in procuring PPE disinfection services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During its investigation,the SIU has exposed Mkhabela as culprit which benefited unlawfully through his position in the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works,Roads and Transport,and was charged with misconduct and that led to his dismissal.
The statement revealed that in July 2024,the High Court of South Africa,Mpumalanga Division,Mbombela,granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit(AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority,the SIU,and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) an order to seize various assets and properties valued at approximately R52.6 million.These assets are linked to 22 senior management officials,service providers,and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works.Mkhabela is among these officials.
The court order led to freezing of all assets belong to Mkhabela which includes his bank account where his salary was deposited,his home,VW Tiguan 2018,Mercedes Benz,VW POLO 2020,cellphones(Samsung and iPhone),MAC Book laptop,microwave,fridge,washing machine and television.
The statement added that Mkhabela is currently facing prosecution as the SIU referred him for criminal conduct to the NPA.The matter is currently being tried at the Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela,Mpumalanga Province.In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996(SIU Act),the SIU referred criminal evidence to the NPA and Hawks for further investigation.
The statement highlighted that the SIU was mandated through Proclamation No.R. 23 of 2020 to investigate the affairs of all State institutions regarding procurement or contracting for goods,works,and services during or in respect of the National State of Disaster by or on behalf of State institutions.