SIU investigates financial irregularities in the construction of three Free State schools

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14-07-2026
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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted the green light to probe heavy allegations of maladministration and financial waste within the Free State Department of Education.

The SIU will focus on the construction of Caleb Motshabi Primary School, formerly known as Thuto Ke Thebe Primary School, Malebogo Primary School and Tlholo Primary School. The investigation will cover the period from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.

According to the SIU, investigators will scrutinise whether procurement processes for the school construction projects complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department's own procurement policies and procedures.

The probe will also assess whether the department incurred any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure in connection with the projects.

Beyond procurement, the SIU said it will investigate whether officials, employees, contractors, service providers or any other individuals involved in the projects engaged in irregular, unlawful or improper conduct.

The investigation has also been structured broadly enough to include any related contracts, entities or individuals identified during the course of the inquiry.

At the same time, the SIU is expanding an existing investigation into procurement at the Great Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

The amended proclamation significantly broadens the investigation by extending the period under review to begin on June 5, 2020, instead of 1 January 2022. It also adds two additional procurement contracts to the investigation, including the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers, as well as another contract for the supply and renewal of software licences.

The SIU said the municipal investigation will continue to examine allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct, fraud and corruption involving municipal officials, service providers, suppliers and any other individuals or entities connected to the contracts.