How security company was caught for R16m security tender fraud in Limpopo - IOL

Three people were arrested for fraud and corruption relating to a security tender valued at approximately R16 million at the Blouberg Local Municipality in Limpopo.

Three people are behind bars facing allegations of fraud and corruption relating to a security tender valued at approximately R16 million at the Blouberg Local Municipality in Limpopo. 

The suspects, aged between 37 and 57, are expected to make their first appearance before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Captain Wendy Nkabi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) said the security company linked to the investigation has also been charged.

The investigation began in 2024 after complaints were lodged with the DPCI regarding alleged irregularities in the municipality's awarding of a security tender. 

“It is alleged that the company that was awarded the tender did not meet certain mandatory requirements stipulated in the tender specifications. The investigation further revealed allegations that the company submitted firearm details and certified documents that were not genuine,” Nkabi said.

She said among the mandatory requirements for the tender was possession of a specified number of firearms. She said complainants who had also submitted bids for the tender raised concerns that the successful bidder allegedly did not meet this requirement.

“During the subsequent investigation, the DPCI-Hawks established that firearm serial numbers submitted as part of the tender documentation were linked to firearms belonging to other security companies. Investigators also established that certain certificates included in the company’s profile were fraudulent and that some certification stamps appearing on documents submitted as part of the tender were also allegedly fraudulent,” Nkabi said.

Following the investigation, the docket was submitted to the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) for a decision. She said warrants of arrest were authorised, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects on Wednesday. 

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Limpopo, Major General Adv Gops Govender, commended the investigating team for their diligent work and continued efforts to investigate allegations of corruption involving public procurement. Nkabi said the arrests were made in Polokwane by the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit, assisted by members from the Polokwane Tactical Response Team (TRT).