South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, conducted coordinated raids across four provinces on Sunday as part of a probe into alleged irregular education tenders worth R114 million.
More than 14 operational teams targeted properties in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and the Western Cape. Authorities said those under investigation include government officials, private businesspeople and religious leaders.
Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, described the case as “a typical example of organised corruption”, alleging that certain service providers were handpicked and colluded with officials in the awarding of school maintenance and repair contracts. Investigations into the tenders reportedly began in 2018, with concerns that some of the repair projects were unnecessary.
Police indicated that 41 suspects were being sought, with several arrests already made. Gerber said additional suspects would either surrender or be traced and apprehended.
Separately, President Cyril Ramaphosa last year authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to examine procurement processes linked to Mpumalanga boarding schools, including food supply contracts spanning 2012 to 2022. The probe also aims to determine whether any payments constituted irregular or wasteful expenditure.
The provincial education department has also faced scrutiny over a separate R224 million tablet and laptop tender for Grade 12 learners. Officials have denied allegations of wastage or irregularities, maintaining that procurement processes were lawful and aligned with educational objectives.
