The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted a search and seizure operation on Thursday at the JB Marks Local Municipality in the North West.
The SIU said that the operation was done in cooperation with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the Hawks) and the SA Police Service (SAPS).
The search was executed in order to to search for evidence that may assist in an investigation targeting the construction of the N12 flood line canal.
“The search and seizure operation is the SIU’s last resort to access documents needed for the investigation and obtain the necessary documentation for its investigation,” Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson for the unit said.
The initial proclamation was published in early October and since then the unit has made multiple attempts to contact the municipality in an effort to access the required documents voluntarily.
These attempts have gone unanswered, according to the SIU.
The Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court granted the SIU the search and seizure warrant on Wednesday, November 6.
“This lack of cooperation prompted the SIU to seek the court's assistance in securing a warrant to search and seize pertinent documents and electronic equipment,” Kganyago said.
The SIU is investigating allegations of maladministration and fraud regarding the procurement or the contracting for goods, works or services by the Municipality concerning the construction of a flood line canal next to the N12 provincial road.
Documentation and devices seized include:
- Company registration documents.
- Payment records (invoices, purchase orders and remittance advice).
- Electronic devices, including laptops, mobile devices and external storage media used by relevant officials and employees.
- Any associated electronic data, including emails and cloud storage information linked to specific personnel.
The unit said it also has the power to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath.
IOL BUSINESS