The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted a search operation at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority's (PSIRA) offices in Centurion on 22 September. This was part of an ongoing investigation into a training contract valued at approximately R130 million. The SIU obtained a Special Tribunal warrant for the search on 17 September, which was executed with the assistance of the Hawks. The investigation focuses on procurement for training services involving PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The training programme in question was designed to reach 7,071 learners across nine provinces, covering various training areas such as election observer training, end-user computing, and security-industry Grade E to C training. The SIU's investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through a proclamation signed on 3 June 2026. The unit had initially requested procurement and contracting records from PSIRA but received only partial documentation, prompting the need for a search warrant to obtain the necessary records and electronic devices.
The SIU described the search as a last resort after its request for documents was only partly met. The operation was an evidence-gathering step in the ongoing investigation and did not announce any criminal charges, findings of wrongdoing, or decisions to cancel the contract. Under its statutory powers, the SIU can pursue civil proceedings if it uncovers wrongdoing and refer evidence of possible criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.
The search warrant was issued after PSIRA supplied only part of the documentation requested by the SIU. The unit's statement did not identify anyone as having been charged in connection with this search. The investigation concerns the procurement process for the training services and the involvement of PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU's investigation through a proclamation signed on 3 June 2026. The SIU's investigation aims to uncover any potential wrongdoing in the procurement process for the R130 million training contract. The unit has the power to pursue civil proceedings and refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.
The SIU's search operation at PSIRA's offices was reported by Eyewitness News on 22 September, citing the SIU's account. The investigation is ongoing, and the SIU is yet to make any further announcements regarding the findings or any potential charges. The unit's actions are part of a broader effort to uncover and address any irregularities in the procurement process.
The R130 million training contract investigation is one of the SIU's ongoing efforts to address potential wrongdoing in government procurement processes. The unit's work is crucial in ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. The investigation's outcome will be closely watched, given the significant value of the contract and the number of learners it was intended to reach.
Key points
- The SIU conducted a search operation at PSIRA's offices in Centurion as part of an investigation into a R130 million training contract.
- The investigation concerns procurement for training services involving PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which was intended to reach 7,071 learners.
- The SIU has the power to pursue civil proceedings and refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority.
