Special Investigating Unit: cracking down on corruption

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has closed more than 1900 cases during the 2023/24 financial year. The unit also handed over 26 comprehensive reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes of investigations. 'These reports include, amongst others, the investigations about the National Lotteries Commission, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the Masters' Office, and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These reports reflect the SIU's dedication to transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption. 'The SIU has referred evidence for the institution or defence/opposition of civil proceedings worth R4.8 billion. This includes, amongst others, matters regarding R2 billion from Eskom, R834 million from Transnet, R29.1 million from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and R48.4 million from the City of Cape Town,' the unit said in a statement. The unit has conducted lifestyle audits at PRASA, the Gauteng Office of the Premier, and the Free State Department of Com munity Safety, Roads, and Transport. The SIU said it was committed to partnering with other law enforcement agencies to combat corruption. 'The SIU recognises the importance of collaboration in the fight against corruption. In line with the SIU Act, 583 criminal referrals were made to the National Prosecuting Authority, ensuring accountability prosecution of officials, private entities and individuals involved in corrupt activities. 'These referrals reflect the unit's ongoing efforts to ensure consequences for those who engage in corruption, maladministration and fraud. To ensure accountability for government officials involved in wrongdoing, SIU referred 297 officials to respective state institutions for disciplinary action,' the statement read. The corruption busting unit is now within the fifth year of its turnaround strategy and has vowed to keep up the fight against criminality. '[We] remain resolute in our mission to combat corruption, fraud, maladministration and malpractice in the public sector. ' The next five-year strategy will build on the successes of the previous strategy and focus on developing and implementing the National Corruption Prevention Strategy and implementing best practices, including cyber and data analytics, and further business process digitisation programmes,' the statement said. Source: South African Government News Agency