Auditor-General refers 40 irregularities for investigation

THE Office of the Auditor-General (AG) has referred 40 material irregularities picked up during the auditing finances of the organs of state using the powers conferred to her by the amended Public Audit Act.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This emerged on Friday when the Directorate of Priority Crime (DPCI) revealed that the AG has referred 21 material irregularities to it for investigation since over the past five years.

This happened as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) disclosed that the AG made 19 referrals to date.

The AG has the power to refer material irregularities picked up during auditing of finances organs of state where fraud is involved, there is criminality or complex investigation needs to be done to the DPCI.

It also refers to the Special Investigating Unit when noncompliance with laws is identified and there is an opportunity to recover funds as a result of enrichment or financial loss to the State.

During the briefing of the Standing Committee on AG, MPs heard that out of the 738 material irregularities the Office of the AG has referred 99 cases to the law enforcement agencies for investigation and recovery of funds.