Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport Deputy Director of Property Management, Kobus Sifiso Mkhabela has been dismissed following an investigation conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The investigation revealed that Mkhabela is one of the senior management officials who awarded multi-million Rand COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tenders to suppliers who did not deliver the services. These suppliers paid substantial kickbacks to the senior management officials and their family members in different ways.
According to the SIU the investigation uncovered multiple instances of corruption, fraud, theft, and money laundering committed by senior managers and service providers involved in procuring PPE disinfection services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the SIU’s consequence management recommendations, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport charged Mkhabela with misconduct, which resulted in his dismissal.
READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/public-works-senior-officials-services-providers-busted-for-r52-million-ppe-corruption/
In July 2024, the High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, Mbombela, granted an order to seize various assets and properties valued at approximately R52.6 million.
These assets are linked to 22 senior management officials, service providers, and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the department, including Mkhabela.
Under this court order, the following assets belonging to Mkhabela were frozen:
• His bank account, where his salary was deposited
• His home
• VW Tiguan 2018
• Mercedes Benz
• VW POLO 2020
• Cellphones (Samsung and iPhone)
• MAC Book Laptop
• Microwave
• Fridge
• Washing machine
• Television
Mkhabela is currently facing prosecution as the SIU referred him for criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority. The matter is currently being tried at the Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU referred criminal evidence to the NPA and Hawks for further investigation.
