The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has seized volumes of files, electronic devices, and phones from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) premises in Centurion, Pretoria. This action is part of an investigation into R130m worth of training services procured for 7,071 learners across nine provinces. The training covered various areas, including election observer training and end-user computing. Psira is responsible for regulating South Africa's private security industry.
The investigation centres on contracts procured by or on behalf of Psira and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Psira has previously faced scrutiny over its registration of certain security companies, including Cat VIP Protection, owned by businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. In October 2025, Psira announced a legal review of the company's registration, but the outcome has not been publicly announced. The SIU's operation yielded numerous files, cellphones, computers, and other electronic equipment.
According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, the seized items are believed to be crucial to the investigation. The unit had approached Psira for documents shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamation 316 of 2026 in June, authorizing the investigation. Psira only partially complied with the request, prompting the SIU to obtain a warrant for the seizure of documents and devices.
The SIU is investigating capacity-building contracts, mainly the contracts for training services. Psira confirmed that the SIU visited its Centurion premises as part of the investigation into the UIF training contract. The authority stated that it is cooperating with the investigation and will comply with lawful requests for information, documents, and access.
Psira expressed its commitment to assisting the investigation, stating that it will not take any steps that could impede or compromise the SIU investigation. The authority will investigate internally to establish what led to the omission of providing complete records to the SIU. Any findings or recommendations arising from the investigation will be considered and addressed through the appropriate governance and legal processes.
The training contracts under investigation cover various areas, including election observer training, end-user computing, and "Psira Grade E to C" training. The investigation aims to uncover any potential irregularities in the procurement and execution of these contracts. The SIU's actions demonstrate its efforts to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring any wrongdoing to light.
The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions will be closely watched by stakeholders, including Psira's regulated entities and the broader public. The SIU's work will help to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds for training services. The investigation is ongoing, and the SIU will likely release further updates as the probe continues.
Key points
- The SIU seized volumes of files, electronic devices, and phones from Psira's premises in connection with an R130m training contract investigation.
- The investigation centres on contracts procured by or on behalf of Psira and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for 7,071 learners across nine provinces.
- Psira is cooperating with the investigation and will comply with lawful requests for information, documents, and access.
