Eight suspects have been arrested on allegations of corrupt activities involving tender fraud in the construction sector within the City of Cape Town municipality.
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According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, the staggered arrests started from early morning on Thursday morning at various locations in Cape Town and were the culmination of protracted investigations into complaints of fraud and corruption, entailing the inflation of invoices, irregular payments of service providers for construction work not undertaken and other illicit activities.
“The eight arrested suspects were expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court on Thursday afternoon on charges that relate to fraud and corruption,” said the SAPS spokesperson.
Cape Town crime-fighting activist Hanif Loonat told IOL that he had lodged a complaint with SAPS in October 2020, requesting the investigation of a construction company and their alleged corrupt relationship with the City of Cape Town, specifically dealing with construction tenders.
He said the case was extensively investigated by the Commercial Crime Unit of the SAPS.
Meanwhile, the directors from three different companies appeared in the Clanwilliam Magistrate Court, on Thursday, amid charges involving the fraudulent procurement of personal protective equipment in the Cederberg Municipality.
“The first appearance of the accused is the culmination of ongoing investigations to rid the country of individuals who intend to benefit as a result of fraud and corruption.”
“They will join their co-accused who were previously arrested on the same charges.”
“The accused were released on warning to appear in court on Tuesday, 6 December as one of the accused needs to apply for legal representation.”
“As the investigation continues more arrests are imminent. Further details about the case and the unfolding investigations are expected to emerge from court.”
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