The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it is ready for the start of a corruption trial against two Limpopo businessmen in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court from Monday, 20 until Thursday, 23 September and again on 20 to 22 October. 

Jack Maake (44) and Matome Prince Mathole (34) were arrested in a joint operation with the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, in November 2019 after an alleged attempt to bribe SIU investigator with R300 000 to influence the outcome of SIU investigation. 

The pair allegedly met with an SIU investigator in a Polokwane hotel and handed over a R300 000 gratification which led to their immediate arrest. 

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The matter relates to a R50 million tender awarded by the Mopani District Municipality to Twin Corner Construction and Projects 35 CC for the construction, installation, repair, refurbishment, maintenance of 38 boreholes. 

The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R15 of 2018, directed to investigate allegations of corruption, malpractice, maladministration and financial mismanagement relating to the procurement of goods and services in the Mopani Local Municipality, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State. 

SIU investigation had revealed that the service provider submitted invoices to the Giyani-based municipality amounting to R17.9 million for service not rendered as per the terms of the contract. 

However, the invoices were processed by the municipality. 

The boreholes were meant to benefit a number of villages under the jurisdiction of the district municipality. Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms: – siu@whistleblowing.co.za – hotline: 0800 037 774.