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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), supported by specialised police units, carried out coordinated search and seizure operations across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng on Thursday, reports Cape {town} Etc.

According to The Witness, they were investigating an alleged syndicate that syphoned about R161 million from the UIF Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

SIU teams targeted homes, offices and several company premises after the Special Tribunal authorised preservation and search warrants.

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The unit identified 16 companies and more than 35 individuals as persons of interest and said it was focusing on 34 locations across the two provinces.

Investigators seized documents, digital devices, and financial records, which they said were crucial to tracing the flow of funds.

‘Kaiser Kganyago, SIU spokesperson, said teams are searching for original bank statements, fraudulent TERS applications, memoranda of understanding with UIF and related correspondence,’ the SIU statement reads.

Forensic analysis of seized material will inform civil recovery steps and possible criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s UIF welcomed the action and said it supports steps to recover public funds and hold those responsible to account.

Journalists on the ground, including eNCA’s Dasen Thathiah, flagged the operation early on social channels. 

Investigations remain active. The SIU asked anyone with relevant information to contact its media desk as enquiries continue. 

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Picture: @RSASIU / X

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