The Hawks are investigating 13 corruption cases involving the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, with nine of the matters already referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution.
Senior officials from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations briefed Parliament’s defence committee on Wednesday as concerns mounted over procurement failures at the department. The investigations come against the backdrop of R16 billion in irregular expenditure recorded by the department.
The corruption investigations have resulted in several arrests, while cases involving alleged procurement manipulation have been placed before the NPA.
Hawks officials also provided MPs with details of one investigation involving the loss of R100 million by the department. The briefing highlighted concerns around the procurement of equipment and spare parts.
Hawks Investigate Defence Department Tender Manipulation
Lieutenant General Dumisani Mbotho, the divisional commissioner for national priority offences operations, outlined how alleged misrepresentation featured in the R100 million case under investigation.
The Hawks corruption investigation relates to the supply of spares that were allegedly presented as being sourced from Germany, despite being procured locally. Mbotho explained the alleged conduct during the committee briefing.
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“They relate to the supply of spares that came with the misrepresentation that they are coming from an overseas country, which is Germany in this case, while they were procured locally,” said Mbotho.
The Hawks told MPs that their investigations cover a total of 13 corruption cases at the department. Nine of those matters have already been sent to the NPA for further action.
Defence Department Corruption Sparks Calls For Inquiry
The revelations have prompted some members of the defence committee to call for a broader parliamentary examination of procurement practices within the department.
Committee member Pumlani Kubukeli said the scale of the alleged wrongdoing warranted a deeper investigation. He called for an inquiry covering procurement, compliance with financial legislation and the handling of disciplinary measures.
“Such a commission must investigate the full extent of procurement manipulation, the PFMA breaches, and consequence management failures,” said Kubukeli.
The call comes as the department faces scrutiny over R16 billion in irregular expenditure. The Hawks’ briefing provided Parliament with an update on the criminal investigations already under way.
Hawks Corruption Cases Continue As Parliament Debates Probe
Defence committee chairperson Dakota Legoete acknowledged concerns about criminality and corruption at the department but said Parliament did not need to launch its own investigation.
Legoete said the Hawks should be allowed to continue with their criminal investigations. He also stressed that alleged criminal conduct could not simply be left unattended.
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“It’s not just a department where we can allow criminality and corruption to go unattended,” said Legoete.
The Hawks are continuing with the 13 investigations, while nine cases have already reached the NPA. Parliament’s defence committee will continue to engage with the department and law-enforcement agencies over the concerns raised.
