Share

Former SABC CEO James Aguma in SIU's crosshairs

The head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says that former acting SABC CEO James Aguma will be pursued for his role in entering the public broadcaster into an irregular contract.

SIU head advocate Andy Mothibi on Monday announced that the investigations entity had made inroads in a variety of state-owned entities of late.

He said an irregular contract between the SABC and Lornavision valued at more than R62m had been halted thanks to SIU work.

READ: SABC threatened with shutdown over retrenchment notice

Mothibi said a claim for damages suffered because of the irregular contract was underway against Lornavision and Aguma.

"If we are to turn the wheels of corruption in government, state-owned entities and, by extension, the corporate sector to a bind, the SIU and other corruption [and] crime-busting agencies in the criminal justice system have to work collaboratively [with professionalism] and speed."

Mothibi said the SIU had managed to set aside several irregular contracts between government and other entities.

He said that on Friday, November 9, the South Gauteng High Court set aside another contract between the SABC and Vision View Production valued at R52m.

NPA to play a role

Mothibi said the proceeds of corruption "dissipates swiftly through various scrupulous money-washing schemes".

The halting of many dodgy government contracts was a result of the SIU's new strategy to commit to the quality of investigations and a swift turnaround time, he added.

He said that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) would play a part in the unit's investigations.

"In all these matters we litigate on; where we discover that some criminal act has been committed; we refer these cases to the NPA for possible prosecution where possible."

Mothibi said corruption "on its own is a criminal activity".

"Society demands a South Africa free from corruption and by implication those found wanting, should be locked up in the Department of Correctional Services' centres."

He implored SIU officials to "work diligently without fear or favour in rooting out corruption whenever and wherever it rears out its ugly head".

KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

- FOLLOW News24 on Twitter

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do airplane mishaps have any effect on which airline you book your flights with?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, these things happen. I pick based on price
48% - 1126 votes
Yes, my safety matters. I don't take any chances
52% - 1204 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.15
+0.4%
Rand - Pound
23.92
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.53
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.48
+0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.5%
Platinum
915.80
+0.4%
Palladium
1,010.50
+0.6%
Gold
2,321.07
+0.2%
Silver
27.24
+0.3%
Brent Crude
88.02
-0.5%
Top 40
68,574
0.0%
All Share
74,514
0.0%
Resource 10
60,444
0.0%
Industrial 25
104,013
0.0%
Financial 15
15,837
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE