Why the SIU and Hawks descended on PSIRA’s offices
PRETORIA — The Special Investigating Unit and Hawks have searched PSIRA’s Centurion offices and moved to seize documents, computers and cellphones after investigators said the security regulator failed to provide a complete set of records required for an investigation into training contracts worth about R130 million.
The SIU said PSIRA only partially complied with its requests for information, with an entire year’s worth of documents needed for the investigation omitted from material supplied to investigators. The Special Tribunal subsequently granted a search and seizure warrant.
The investigation follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Proclamation 316 of 2026, which authorised the SIU to investigate training services involving PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The wider investigation covers election observer, end user computing and security training intended for 7,071 learners across all nine provinces.
One part of the programme has already attracted scrutiny in Parliament. Of 6,507 learners reported as having been trained, only 118 were officially accredited with security qualifications, according to information presented to Parliament. More than R30 million was also reported to have been paid upfront to a supplier before training commenced.
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said search and seizure was used as a last resort after investigators failed to secure full cooperation through ordinary engagement. Electronic devices and documents obtained during the operation could now become important in establishing what happened to the training funds and whether unlawful conduct occurred.
The investigation remains ongoing and the raid itself does not establish criminal liability. The SIU is required to refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
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