Six years later: 57 COVID-19 PPE corruption cases still under investigation

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed that 57 cases relating to COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) corruption remain under investigation, six years after the onset of the pandemic.

Responding to a written parliamentary question from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Kubayi confirmed that 32 of these cases are currently before the courts. These legal proceedings involve numerous companies and individuals alleged to have benefited irregularly from pandemic-related contracts.

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The minister noted that the active investigations focus on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and procurement corruption. Some of these cases involve the Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital regarding irregular PPE appointments for service providers.

Furthermore, investigations continue into a R514 million SAPS PPE tender from 2020. In the SAPS matter, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has identified a businessman as a key player in the contract and aims to recover approximately R390 million.

While many investigations continue, Kubayi provided an update on matters that have already moved through the legal system. In her written reply, she stated that a total of 77 cases have been finalised, resulting in convictions for various offences, including fraud and money laundering.

Of these convictions, three included corruption-related offences. Kubayi added that a further 10 cases have been finalised with acquittals, one of which included a charge of corruption. The Minister maintained that the state continues to pursue those who exploited the National State of Disaster for illicit financial gain.