Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Special Investigating Unit (SIU) vehicles were spotted in Knysna on Wednesday 12 August, days after President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the Knysna Municipality’s security tender dating back to 2017.
A photograph of vehicles bearing SIU markings was circulated on a local community group, prompting questions about whether the investigation had already commenced.
However, the SIU has confirmed that its formal investigation into Knysna Municipality’s Tender T25 of 2023/24 has not yet started.
In a response to questions from the Knysna-Plett Herald, dated 11 August, the SIU said its legal authority to begin a specific investigation only takes effect once the relevant proclamation has been published.
The proclamation was published on Friday 7 August. “The SIU has not yet started its investigation,” the unit said. The SIU also confirmed that the investigation was largely prompted by findings contained in a report compiled by the Auditor-General.
As reported in the Knysna-Plett Herald today, Thursday 13 August, the investigation relates to alleged irregularities in Tender T25 of 2023/24 for physical security services at Knysna Municipality.
According to Proclamation 334 of 2026, allegations include unfair procurement, improper conduct by officials and suppliers, and related financial losses suffered by the municipality.
The proclamation authorises the SIU to investigate conduct dating from 8 December 2017 to 7 August 2026, including relevant conduct outside those dates where it involves the same persons, entities or contracts.
The SIU said it could not provide further details about the specific aspects under investigation, citing confidentiality provisions in the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act and related regulations.
It also confirmed that it had not yet determined whether the municipality suffered any financial loss, saying no findings or assumptions could be made because the investigation had not commenced.
The SIU further said it had not yet requested tender documents, bid evaluation records, contracts, invoices, payment records, correspondence or Council records from the municipality.
Should the investigation ultimately establish irregular or unlawful conduct and financial losses, the SIU said possible steps could include referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority for potential criminal action, disciplinary referrals and civil proceedings to terminate unlawfully procured contracts and recover losses.
The sighting of SIU vehicles in Knysna on Wednesday could not immediately be linked to the formal investigation, given the SIU’s confirmation that the investigation had not yet commenced.
The municipality previously confirmed that it would fully co-operate with the investigation but said it was unable to comment further at that stage.
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