SIU recovers R67m from Kroucamp Plumbers

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a victory for the state, recovering R67 million from Kroucamp Plumbers (Pty) Ltd after the Special Tribunal reviewed and set aside unlawful contracts awarded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

- WENDY DONDOLO

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the tribunal's ruling not only recovers public funds but also prevents a potential R33 million loss following the dismissal of a counterclaim brought by Kroucamp Plumbers against the department.

The Tribunal declared contracts worth R67 million, awarded between 2015 and 2019 for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions, invalid and unlawful.

As a result, the service provider has been ordered to refund all payments received from the department. The financial recovery includes R46 613 873.26 from contracts between 2015 and 2017 and R20 389052.70 from tenders between 2017 and 2019.