Special Tribunal dismisses Limpopo PPE procurement case exception application

The Special Tribunal has dismissed, with costs, an exception application raised by Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd in a matter related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Limpopo Department of Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into PPE procurement contracts - worth up to some R182 million - by the department in which Pro Secure was a service provider. 'This ruling supports the SIU's stance on the irregular procurement of PPE by the Limpopo Department of Health during the pandemic. 'The SIU's investigation uncovered irregularities in the appointment of service providers such as Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd, Clinipro (Pty) Ltd, and Ndia Business Trading (Pty) Ltd for the supply and delivery of PPE, resulting in approximately R182 million in irregular and/or fruitless and wasteful expenditure by the department,' the SIU said in a statement. The investigation occurred following a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphos a, which gave way for the corruption busting unit to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments by state institutions related to PPE procurement during the pandemic. 'The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,' the SIU statement said. Source : South African Government News Agency