Mpumalanga: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of maladministration and irregular expenditure in relation to a fuel supply tender at the Mkhondo Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

According to South African Government News Agency, the corruption-busting unit is authorised to probe the allegations under Proclamation 309 of 2026, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This proclamation empowers the SIU to investigate serious allegations relating to procurement and tender processes of fuel supply, where payments may have been made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective. The investigation will also look into potential violations of applicable legislation and Treasury regulations.

The SIU's probe will further investigate alleged maladministration that resulted in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure. The unit aims to identify any improper or unlawful conduct by municipal officials, employees, service providers, or other parties connected to these tenders. The scope of the investigation includes conduct that occurred between 1 October 2017 and 13 February 2026, as well as related matters connected, incidental, or ancillary to the tenders under scrutiny.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered.