SIU Secures Freezing Order In Transnet Property Contracts

The Special Tribunal has granted the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) an order to freeze assets – including luxury vehicles and property – worth some R20.3 million as part of an investigation into three alleged irregular Transnet property valuation contracts.

The contracts have a value of some R89 million.

“The order interdicts MM Real Estate (Pty) Ltd, Humphrey Tshepo Moyo, Neo Shown Matlala and any other party from selling, disposing, leasing, transferring, encumbering (including by granting rights of retention), transferring, donating, or dealing in any manner whatsoever to the frozen properties, pending the finalisation of civil proceedings,” the SIU said in a statement.

The corruption busting unit explained that its investigation has “uncovered significant irregularities in the awarding of three contracts for property valuation services to Transnet”.

“Transnet had referred various suspicious contracts involving Transnet Property to the SIU for further investigation. The contracts, awarded in 2019, 2021, and 2022, have a combined value of R89 million.

“Working closely with Transnet, the SIU’s investigation revealed serious flaws in the procurement processes, raising concerns about compliance with supply chain management regulations and the possibility of undue influence in the awarding of these contracts.

“Additionally, the SIU and Transnet reasonably believe that Transnet may not have received full and fair value for the payments made under the disputed contracts,” the unit said.

Any evidence of criminal activity will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further processing.

“The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU concluded. – SAnews.gov.za