Pretoria: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal targeting Groen Mintirho, a company associated with former Parliamentarian Pule Mabe. This development is linked to suspected procurement irregularities involving the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (GDARD) and the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM).

According to South African Government News Agency, the SIU stated that the recent order prohibits Mabe from ‘selling, leasing, transferring or otherwise dealing with specific assets’, which include a luxury home in Steyn City, Gauteng, and a luxury motor vehicle, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. The SIU’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the procurement of 200 motorised three-wheeler vehicles valued at R27,599,250 for a waste management project. Despite payments made to Enviro Mobi, evidence indicates non-compliance with procurement regulations, misrepresentation, and failure to deliver contra
cted services.

The findings from the SIU revealed mismanagement of public funds, resulting in losses exceeding R25 million, along with fraudulent activities linked to tender awards and settlements. The investigation also highlighted unlawful financial flows benefitting certain individuals and entities. Beyond the preservation order, the SIU has filed a review application at the Special Tribunal to nullify the tender award and recover funds unlawfully paid to Groen Mintirho.

In recent legal proceedings, Mabe appeared in court facing charges of fraud, theft, and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Mabe, along with at least six other suspects, was released on bail.

The SIU, empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, can initiate civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to rectify any wrongdoing identified in its investigations. The unit also refers evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prose
cuting Authority for further action.