The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is conducting a wide-ranging probe into the Road Accident Fund (RAF), focusing on alleged financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and suspicious payments to law firms.
In an exclusive interview, SIU Head of Communications Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the investigation includes scrutiny of double payments to legal service providers and questionable leasing agreements for RAF’s provincial offices.
Double-Dipping and Suspicious Transactions
Kganyago revealed that some law firms engaged in “double-dipping,” where they allegedly received duplicate payments from the RAF.
“There are instances where people were involved in double-dipping—where they would siphon money from the RAF’s bank account when payments were delayed, and then keep the funds when the original payment was processed,” Kganyago explained.
He added that many firms had since repaid the money or signed acknowledgment-of-debt agreements.
Procurement and Leasing Irregularities
The SIU is also investigating procurement processes, including a controversial lease agreement for RAF’s Johannesburg offices. While Kganyago avoided naming individuals, he confirmed that preliminary findings suggest RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo may have interfered in the leasing process.
“Our report indicates that the CEO interfered in the leasing process of the Johannesburg building,” Kganyago stated.
Wider SIU Investigations
Beyond the RAF, the SIU is handling multiple high-profile cases, including probes into the National Lotteries Commission, the National Skills Fund (NSF), and various water boards. Kganyago noted that the unit has received over 50 new proclamations in the first three months of the year alone.
No Immunity for Departing Officials
With Letsoalo’s term nearing its end, Kganyago emphasized that officials leaving their positions would not escape accountability.
“If wrongdoing is found, we recover funds from pensions or properties. Where criminal conduct is involved, we refer cases to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA),” he said.
The SIU’s findings were recently presented to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.
Next Steps
The SIU continues to pursue financial recovery and disciplinary action, while the NPA may pursue criminal charges where applicable.
For now, the spotlight remains on the RAF as authorities work to untangle the web of alleged corruption and mismanagement.
