Pretoria – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa today confirmed to Parliament that he has launched two separate investigations involving millions of rands.
The first investigations pertains to a R112 million contract awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) without going to tender and the second relates to Crime Intelligence officers who were robbed of R2.2 million last month.
Mthethwa made the announcement in a Parliamentary response to the question about whether the R112 million contract for providing riot control gear during the 2010 FIFA World Cup had been put out to tender.
“I am currently engaging with National Treasury regarding this specific contract and matters related to it. Once this engagement is completed, I will report back to Parliament regarding this particular tender and steps, if necessary, that need to be taken regarding this contract,” he said.
Regarding the first investigation, Mthethwa said it will look into why the money was drawn and not transferred electronically, why the crime intelligence officers had the money in their possession and why they were not adequately guarded.
“The robbery and circumstances surrounding it are currently under investigation which unfortunately cannot be further elaborated on due to the matter being under investigation. We shall therefore afford all sides to present their cases without fear or favour.
“The bottom line is that we must get full explanation as to what happened, why did it happen and what should have been done to avoid such an occurrence.” he said.
Mthethwa indicated that no member of the SAPS was beyond reproach when it comes to administering public finances, no matter the amount.
He added that he expected sound management, accountability, professionalism and excellence at all times, whether it be administration of funds or managing a police station.
He assured Parliament and members of the public the police will get to the bottom of this and ensure that those are implicated are charged and punished. – BuaNews
