Whistleblower sparks police crackdown on R1.6 billion tender fraud in Cape Town

The police have executed a large-scale seizure operation at 26 addresses across the Cape Town metropolitan area, believed to be triggered by a whistleblower's information about tenders and contracts worth R1.6 billion.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut, the Commercial Crime Investigation (CCI) unit in the Western Cape, supported by detectives and external stakeholders, is carrying out this coordinated search and seizure operation.

The operation commenced during the early hours of September 30.

“The intervention follows information received from a whistleblower and subsequent preliminary investigations conducted by both the City of Cape Town Municipality and SAPS. The identified addresses include business premises, private residences of municipal officials, and locations linked to individuals and entities that were awarded contracts by the Municipality,” Traut explained.

He added that the ongoing investigation concerns contracts to the approximate value of R1.6 billion, in respect of which search and seizure warrants were duly obtained. The operation seeks to secure both documentary and electronic evidence to establish the full extent of alleged fraud and corruption.

“This coordinated effort underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to decisively address corruption and safeguard public resources,” he stated.

“SAPS calls on the public and stakeholders to allow the investigation teams the necessary space to conduct their work without disruption.”

The City added in a statement: "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 a search and seizure operation."

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."

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