Hawks
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have seized various assets and properties valued at approximately R52.6 million.
The assets and properties are linked to 22 senior management officials, service providers, and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works.
The operation included serving orders at 34 locations and capturing inventories of 29 properties, 31 vehicles, and a boat trailer.
The court order freezes properties such as houses, electronics, cars, household items, jewellery, arms, ammunition, bank accounts, salaries, and bail monies.
All internet banking privileges are also removed from Tuesday.
The investigation into PPE contracts related to the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that senior management officials awarded multi-million Rand COVID-19 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.
NPA Regional Spokesperson for Mpumalanga Monica Nyuswa says the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is authorised under Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA) to obtain a restraint of property order to seize any "realisable assets" of an accused person in a criminal case.
"Such assets may later be used to satisfy a confiscation order granted by any court after the conviction of the accused to recover any illegal financial benefit obtained from their criminal activities" she said.
The order restrains the following individuals and entities:
Department Officials
Macdonald Sigudla
Dorries Mbatha
Bandile Ngcobo
Godisamang Molotsane
Kobus Mkhabela
Sipho Monareng
Service Providers
Maganeleni Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd
Anthony Maganeleng Mashigo
Gladness Gugu Bulunga
Thandolwam Transport and Projects (Pty) Ltd
Mbombela Integrated Waste Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Orapaleng Molotsane
Tsidi Susan Sedibe
Superia Services Trading CC
Whisky Delisa Khumalo
Makulaspan Construction (Pty) Ltd
Thabang Lebo Andiswa Dibakoane
Ntando Ms Trading (Pty) Ltd
Bongani Edward Lukhele
Ligabho Le'Africa Properties (Pty) Ltd
Oratile Molotsane
Ezrom Molotsane
