President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday signed a Proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the Mogalakwena municipality, in Limpopo.

The SIU will probe any corruption in the municipality since April 1, 2016 and recover any losses by the municipality or State.

The SIU investigations will look at transactions related to persons, entities or contracts investigated under authority of the Proclamation.

The Proclamation – dated March 5, 2021 – authorises the SIU to look at alleged serious maladministration in connection with Mogalakwena’s affairs, improper or unlawful conduct of the municipality’s officials, as well as unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.

Ramaphosa also amended Proclamation R12 of 2018, authorising the SIU to look into the affairs of Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), to include the procurement of or contracting of goods on behalf of RAL and payment made that was not fair or cost effective relating to 21 contracts.

The SIU will also investigate maladministration in RAL and any losses suffered by RAL as a result and in relation to the increase of the fees of the chairperson of RAL’s board.

Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported to siu@whistleblowing.co.za or 0800 037 774.