Mabe fails to stop SIU probe over R27.6m Gauteng tender

Pule Mabe

Cape Town – Former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe has failed in his bid to halt Special Investigating Unit (SIU) civil recovery proceedings linked to a R27.6 million Gauteng waste vehicle tender.

The Special Tribunal dismissed Mabe and Enviro Mobi’s application to suspend the proceedings pending the outcome of a High Court review and criminal case against them.

The Tribunal also ordered Mabe to pay the legal costs of the application.

Mabe had argued that the SIU’s investigation before President Cyril Ramaphosa formally authorised the probe was unlawful and that evidence arising from it should not be admissible in the civil recovery case.

According to SABC News, SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said Mabe argued that the pre-proclamation investigation had formed the basis for the presidential proclamation and that the subsequent investigation was therefore tainted.

The Tribunal rejected this argument, finding that the pre-proclamation work was preliminary and intended to establish whether sufficient grounds existed for a formal investigation.

It also found that Mabe’s High Court review had poor prospects of success and did not justify delaying the SIU proceedings. The Tribunal further ruled that civil recovery proceedings can continue alongside criminal proceedings because the two processes serve different purposes.

“The Tribunal concluded that Mr Mabe’s application was an attempt to obstruct justice and was properly dismissed,” Makgotho said, according to IOL.

The case centres on a 2017 Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment tender awarded to Enviro Mobi for 200 three-wheel waste collection vehicles at a cost of R27.6 million. Ekurhuleni later procured a further 70 vehicles for about R9 million under the same contract.

The SIU alleges that the tender process was irregular and that more than 90% of the money paid to Enviro Mobi was transferred into accounts controlled by Mabe.

The allegations have also resulted in criminal charges against Mabe, his wife Mmatlhekelo Mabe, business associate Tinyiko Mahuntsi, former Gauteng department officials, Enviro Mobi and Kariki Media Holdings. The accused are out on bail.

The SIU previously secured a preservation order in November 2024 freezing Mabe’s Steyn City property and a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS while recovery proceedings continue.

Special Tribunal Judge Brian Mashile said there was no sufficient basis to halt the civil case in the absence of demonstrable prejudice to Mabe’s fair-trial rights. The judge also noted the public interest involved in allegations concerning public funds and procurement.

The matter will therefore proceed despite the pending criminal proceedings.

Article written by