Former MP Among Seven Arrested For Corruption Over Wastepicker Tuk-tuks

In a crackdown on corruption, a former MP is among seven individuals arrested for alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.

These arrests were made by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Gauteng, and the suspects are expected to appear at the Palm Ridge Specialized Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.

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The Background of the Case

The investigation stems from a forensic report produced by the Special Investigating Unit, focusing on a controversial tender issued in October 2016 by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The tender, valued at approximately R27 million, sought to integrate waste operatives into the mainstream waste management economy.

Details of the Allegations

It has been revealed that a considerable sum, R25 million, was disbursed to the service provider Enviro-Mobi for the delivery of 200 motorized three-wheelers.

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However, the investigation discovered that these vehicles were never delivered, and all funds were still retained by the service provider. Furthermore, the company allegedly failed to disclose its connection to the former MP in its bid proposal and misrepresented its capabilities regarding fleet-related services.

The implication of fraud, theft, and various contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act and Prevention of Organised Crime Act has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of public management procedures within the department.