SIU freezes R8.4m in properties linked to Northern Cape PPE fraud

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has frozen three high-value properties worth approximately R8.4 million, linked to the alleged looting of nearly R27m from the Northern Cape Department of Health during a PPE procurement scandal in the COVID-19 pandemic.

- HOPE NTANZI

The move forms part of the SIU’s civil proceedings to recover public funds unlawfully paid for a PPE contract during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The interim order prevents the respondents from selling or dealing with the properties in Kimberley and Bryanston, which are suspected to have been bought with the proceeds of the fraud.

Kaizer Kganyago, spokesperson for the SIU, said: “The preservation orders placed on these properties are intended to facilitate the recovery of financial losses suffered by the state due to corruption or maladministration”