WC police raid 26 sites linked to alleged fraud involving over R1 billion municipal contracts

A police investigation continues into allegations of fraud and corruption, involving municipal contracts to the value of R1.6 billion.

Western Cape SAPS members are executing a large-scale search and seizure operation at 26 locations across Cape Town.

The operation began on Tuesday.

The targeted addresses include business premises, private residences of municipal officials, and locations linked to individuals and entities that were awarded contracts by the City of Cape Town.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Andre Traut, said the intervention follows information received from a whistleblower and subsequent preliminary investigations conducted by both the municipality and police.

"The operation, which stems from whistleblower information and preliminary investigation, is aimed at securing crucial evidence to establish the scope of alleged irregularities. SAPS has reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption and protecting public resources and urges the public to provide the necessary space to conduct their work."

"In line with the City’s zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, city forensic services took swift action to assess and report the matter to SAPS, who then undertook search and seizure operations took place at various addresses, including business premises, municipal buildings and private residences. More details will be made available by SAPS as the investigation progresses," said the City of Cape Town' Luthando Tyhalibongo.