Special Investigating Unit - SIU

[Marius]

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is an investigating body established by the government to investigate maladministration and corruption within the public sector and to institute civil proceedings to recover losses and secure savings to the State. In line with its multidisciplinary approach to investigations, the SIU is made up of lawyers, investigators, forensic accountants and analysts.

 

[Gordon_R]

https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/siu-to-get-more-teeth-to-tackle-civil-cases-20190208

The process of getting the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) its own dedicated court before the end of March, when its financial year ends, is at an advanced stage

The unit currently only makes recommendations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) about which individuals or companies linked to government or government officials should be prosecuted, based on the said parties' involvements in irregularities.

It does, however, have the power to sue on behalf of the state or its entities as well as to retrieve money from irregular payments.

One such case is that of former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

SIU spokesperson Nazreen Pandor told News24 that the SIU was "engaging the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development regarding the establishment of the special tribunal", and that the process was at an advanced stage.

"The establishment of the special tribunal will mean that the SIU has access to a dedicated court for the speedier resolution of civil cases initiated, based on evidence obtained during its investigations," said Pandor.

In 2009, the SIU finalised a report into alleged tender rigging involving Bosasa directors and CEO Gavin Watson and the Department of Correctional Services.

Bosasa had allegedly bribed former prisons boss Linda Mti and the department's chief financial officer, Patrick Gillingham, to secure four tenders between 2004 and 2007 worth roughly R1.5bn, including the supply of televisions and fencing at prisons around the country, the SIU found.The SIU report was handed over to the NPA in 2010 and a docket was registered at the same time.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Michael Masutha has assured the agency that work is underway to have the tribunal operational.

"To ensure that the full impact of the mandate of the SIU is felt by all, in the financial year under review, SIU management identified the need to re-establish a special tribunal centrally located in Gauteng.

"The tribunal will require for the SIU to identify matters that can immediately be heard to act speedily against offenders of maladministration or perpetrators of malpractice in a specialised court," said Masutha in the annual SIU report.