By Everson Luhanga
Seven people, including top officials, business owners, and a former MP, turned themselves in to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Gauteng on Wednesday.
Scrolla.Africa can confirm that former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe and his wife are among those arrested.
They will appear in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after being processed.
Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the arrests follow an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into irregularities with a 2016 government tender.
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had called for proposals on formalising waste management.
“In March 2017, a R27-million tender was awarded to Enviro-Mobi,” Mbambo said.
“The agreement stipulated that the department would only pay after 50% of the work was completed, and no upfront payments were permitted.”
However, over R25-million was paid to Enviro-Mobi for 200 motorised three-wheelers, despite the company still possessing the goods.
Enviro-Mobi later requested an additional R9-million for storage and other services.
Mbambo stated that the company concealed its link to the politician involved and lied about delivering the fleet and services.
A case was opened in October 2020, leading to the Hawks’ investigation. The suspects are charged with fraud, theft, and violating the Public Finance Management Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Pictured above: Pule Mabe.
Source: Supplied
