Six nabbed for tender fraud

© Andriy Popov – 123RF.com

The six, aged between 39 and 50, were arrested in various places, including Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Kimberley on Tuesday in a joint operation with the assistance of the Tactical Response Team.

“The arrest of the suspects follows allegations of gross irregularities in the awarding of various infrastructure tenders without following due processes between 2013 and 2016 at the Northern Cape Department of Health.

"At least R11 million was allegedly shared amongst six companies attached to the six suspects to procure medical equipment,” the Hawks said.

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the arrest of the six suspects.

“I appreciate the work by the members and look forward to a successful prosecution,” said Lebeya.

All suspects are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court today.

Meanwhile, Gerrit Jan Crowther (52) appeared before the East London Magistrate court today for alleged fraud amounting to approximately R180 million.

Crowther was arrested on Thursday last week following a two-year investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime unit.

For almost three years, Crowther claimed to be working for Eskom and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and alleged he was installing a device which reduces electricity consumption.

It transpired that he allegedly did not install a device, but rather tampered with electricity meters.

Consequently, the municipality lost approximately R180 million as a result of this alleged crime.

He remains in custody and he is expected to appear again at the same court on 29 June 2018.