In a shocking development concerning allegations of corruption, former MP Pule Mabe, along with six co-accused, was arrested and formally appeared in court on Wednesday.
This action follows a forensic report conducted by the Special Investigating Unit regarding a tender connected to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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The Tender and Alleged Misconduct
The controversial tender, issued in October 2016, was aimed at integrating waste operatives into the mainstream waste management economy. Awarded to a service provider named Enviro-Mobi for approximately R27 million in March 2017, the contract had clear stipulations, indicating that payment could only be considered once 50% of the work was complete, with no upfront payments allowed.
However, the investigation revealed that R25 million was dispensed to Enviro-Mobi for the purchase of 200 motorised three-wheelers, which were never delivered to the intended 58 waste pickers in the Ekurhuleni Municipality.
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Implications and Future Proceedings
The Hawks, led by spokesperson Brig Thandi Mbambo, noted that the service provider’s failure to fulfil the contractual obligations raises serious questions regarding the legitimacy of the operations led by Mabe and his associates.
Furthermore, the provider’s attempt to secure an additional R9 million for storage services only deepens the allegations. A case was registered at the Johannesburg Central Police Station in October 2020, leading to the current investigation.
