Accused in Bosasa matter appear in court

© Burmakin Andrey – 123RF.com

The matter was postponed to 27 March 2019.

On Wednesday, the Hawks arrested several people following a marathon investigation wherein almost R1.6 billion is said to have been misappropriated in the tender processes for the procurement of various services by the Department of Correctional Services.

The tenders were awarded to Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd and its affiliated or subsidiary companies.

The Hawks said the officials allegedly received and accepted gifts in the form of cash. They also allegedly received financial assistance in acquiring properties, acquiring motor vehicles from dealers, other assets and payments to travel agents for overseas travel.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Hawks said one of the suspects was overseas. However, he has been informed that there is a warrant out for his arrest.

“Another suspect is in Port Elizabeth and efforts are underway to bring him back to Pretoria to face the charges,” the Hawks said.

The arrests have been welcomed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Portfolio Committee on Police.

SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi said the arrests will send a strong message to the corrupters as well as corruptees that there will be no place to hide.

He said the Governance Committee that has been set up within SIU will continue to watch what comes out of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. The unit will take appropriate action to hold those involved accountable.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police Francois Beukman said the high profile arrests are an indication of the new Hawks leadership’s commitment to deal with allegations related to organised commercial crime and corruption.

Beukman said that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, mandate is to deal effectively with corruption, organised crime syndicates and serious economic crime.

“The investigators of the DPCI should be commended for their hard work and commitment to the rule of law,” he said.

The ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of State, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, has heard testimony from an array of personalities revealing alleged corruption in the awarding of contracts with Bosasa.