New MEC, Ketso Makume, says the three separate investigations relate to material irregularities. These include the G-Hostel in Matjhabeng, Welkom; the Mangaung Dark/Silver City in Bloemfontein, and the Bohlokong Vogelfontein matter.

“These projects have been ongoing for many years and public funds were unlawfully spent without the projects being completed,” added Makume.

The department submitted four possible cases of corruption to the Hawks for investigation and prosecution.

The investigations arose as a result of various alleged fraudulent activities detected, involving falsifications of qualifications, tampering with beneficiary information to acquire Breaking New Grounds (BNG) houses, and collusion with contractors and private individuals to defraud the department. He mentioned the matter of foundations in Bothaville, where only eight foundations were cast but the contractor claimed fifty foundations.

 “The department is committed to fighting corruption within the Human Settlements sector, as we have witnessed the much-publicised arrests and suspension of individuals connected with the asbestos court case. The department expects further arrests of officials connected with the certifying and payment of services not delivered.”

ALSO READ: Hawks to probe Hillside View housing scandal

He gave the assurance, while delivering the department’s 2023/24 budget speech, that public funds misused in these projects will be recovered. He stated that the department has carried out an anti-corruption activity at the Mangaung Hillside View project and this was aimed at verifying the lawful occupancy of the 632 units.

“The preliminary report revealed that illegal occupants occupy more than 18 houses and Human Settlements officials assisted these. These officials are undergoing various disciplinary processes.” 

He gave another assurance that these operations will be extended to most areas in the province in order to root out corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. 

ALSO READ: Free State prioritises informal settlement upgrades

The current premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, said they completed 516 units in March 2022.  Dukwana’s predecessor, Sisi Ntombela, expressed reservations over the speed of projects after a visit to the Dark City and Silver City housing projects in Phahameng.  

ALSO READ: Operation Thoso to bring changes to Free State

The integrated social housing project, estimated to be worth R110 million, began during Ace Magashule’s tenure as premier. Before stepping down as premier in 2018, Magashule expressed concern over what he vowed to pressure contractors to finish in due course. Five years later and the project is still incomplete. The delay in completing the project was blamed on the contractor.

In October 2022, as MEC for Human Settlements at the time, Dukwana was flanked by the police and other security officers when they carried out a sting operation to determine the authenticity of occupants at 15 carefully selected houses. It was at the time suspected that corrupt officials from the Department are allegedly colluding with municipal officials to manipulate the Hillside View housing beneficiary list. 

The previous departmental spokesperson, Sello Dithebe, said two cases have already been handed over to the Free State Hawks with supporting evidence linking certain officials, and that arrests are expected to be made soon. The officials are also said to have collected rent illegally from people who are not even beneficiaries.

OFM News