The Special Investigating Unit (SIU)’s report into government spending of COVID-19 funds was made public by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office on Tuesday.
The report investigated 5 468 contracts for the procurement of PPE (476 cases which still need to be finalised). A total of 2 803 contracts were identified as irregular. To date, R34 million has been recovered.
According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), the report found that R551.5 million needs to be recovered, and upon further investigation, the final amount might increase.
“This was money earmarked to procure procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other lifesaving resources during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly true to form cadres and tenderpreneurs took advantage while vulnerable and ill people were struggling to survive the devastation of the pandemic,” the DA expressed.
The political party then called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to swiftly prosecute those who are guilty, adding that a strong message needs to be sent to those who seek to profit off and loot the State.
“The corrupt and greedy have tried to make the country a lawless wasteland where the rule of law and vulnerable people can be trampled. This must not be allowed to continue. Criminals should know that the free-fall is over,” the DA adds.
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