By Thabo Mosia
On Monday, 18 November 2024, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) announced that it had obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal against Groen Mintirho (formerly Enviro-Mobi), a company linked to former ANC spokesperson and National Executive Committee (NEC) member Pule Mabe. The order is connected to alleged procurement irregularities involving the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment (GDARD) and the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM).
Preservation Order Details
The preservation order restricts Mabe from selling, leasing, transferring, or otherwise dealing with specific assets, including:
• An immovable property located in Steyn City, Gauteng.
• A luxury motor vehicle, Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
The SIU’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, stated, “This interception underscores the critical role the SIU plays in combating procurement fraud and mismanagement of public funds.”
Irregularities and Findings
The investigation, initiated under Presidential Proclamation No. R15 of 2021, uncovered significant irregularities in the procurement of 200 motorised three-wheeler vehicles for a waste management project. The contract, valued at R27.5 million, was awarded to Enviro-Mobi in 2016. Evidence revealed non-compliance with procurement regulations, misrepresentation, and a failure to deliver contracted services.
The findings pointed to the mismanagement of public funds, resulting in losses exceeding R25 million. Fraudulent activities linked to tender awards and unlawful financial flows benefitting individuals and entities were also uncovered.
Legal Actions
In addition to the preservation order, the SIU has filed a review application with the Special Tribunal to nullify the tender award and recover unlawfully paid funds. The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act to take civil action to address any wrongdoing uncovered in its investigations. Evidence pointing to criminal conduct has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
October Arrests and Bail Proceedings
On 16 October 2024, Pule Mabe, along with six other accused, was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. The arrests stemmed from the SIU’s forensic report detailing irregularities in the tender process.
The accused, including GDARD officials, private business representatives, and company directors, face charges of fraud, theft, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Court Proceedings
The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court granted bail set at R30,000 for each accused. The charges involve allegations of fraudulent payments made to Enviro-Mobi for 200 three-wheeler vehicles, of which many were reportedly undelivered or retained by the company.
During the bail application, the accused provided affidavits citing reasons for bail, including financial constraints and assurance of cooperation with the legal process. Prosecutors argued that the accused had failed to disclose conflicts of interest and unjustly benefited from the tender.
Background and Allegations
The GDARD tender aimed to integrate waste management operators into the mainstream economy. However, Enviro-Mobi, allegedly linked to Mabe through his wife and co-accused, Mmatlhekelo Mabe, failed to meet its contractual obligations despite receiving substantial payments.
The Hawks’ investigation revealed that of the 200 vehicles contracted, only 196 were delivered, and only 91 reached the intended beneficiaries.
Ethical Concerns and Next Steps
The State also highlighted ethical concerns regarding Mabe, citing his failure to disclose his connection to Enviro-Mobi while serving as a Member of Parliament, which contravenes the Code of Ethical Conduct for MPs.
The case has been postponed to 25 March 2025, allowing further investigations and trial preparations. The SIU continues to pursue accountability and recover mismanaged funds to protect public resources.
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