Three suspects aged between 37 and 57 have been arrested by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) team in Polokwane in connection with alleged fraud and corruption involving a security tender valued ay approximately R16 million awarded by the Blouberg Local Municipality in Limpopo.
Arrests and charges
The arrests carried out with assistance from the Polokwane Tactical Response Team (TRT), took place on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The security company linked to the investigation has also been charged.
The suspects face allegations of fraud and corruption. They are expected to make their first appearance in the Senwabarwana Magistrate's Court on Friday, 25 September 2026.
Origin of the investigation
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the probe originated in 2024 after complaints were lodged with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) regarding alleged irregularities in the municipality's awarding of the security tender.
Alleged tender irregularities
Investigators found that the company ultimately awarded the tender allegedly failed to meet certain mandatory requirements set out in the tender specifications. These included possession of a specified number of firearms. Complainants who had also submitted bids raised concerns that the successful bidder did not meet this requirement.
The investigation further established that firearm serial numbers submitted as part of the tender documentation were linked to firearms belonging to other security companies. Certain certificates included in the company's profile were found to be fraudulent, and some certification stamps appearing on documents submitted with the tender were also allegedly fraudulent.
Court process and next steps
Following the investigation, the docket was submitted to the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) for a decision. Warrants of arrest were subsequently authorised, leading to the arrests.
Official comment
Major General Adv Gops Govender, Provincial Head of the DPCI in Limpopo, commended the investigating team for their diligent work and continued efforts to investigate allegations of corruption involving public procurement.
The matter remains under investigation.