OUTA welcomes special tribunal for SIU

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomes the establishment of a special tribunal to fast track cases which have been stalled in the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over the past few years.

On Sunday the Presidency announced the appointment of Judge Gidfonia Mlindelwa Makhanya as the President of the Tribunal for three years along with seven other judges to assist in the speeding up the recovery of monies and assets lost by state institutions as a result of corruption.

“The SIU is a critical institution that plays a pivotal role in law enforcement. The appointment of this special tribunal is a positive step in lifting the plague of corruption that has penetrated our state bodies and will ensure future dealings are conducted in the best interest of the people of South Africa rather than for personal gain,” says Heinrich Volmink, OUTA’s Executive Head: National Government Division.

OUTA believes that the SIU has been combining many matters that require promulgation by the President and, due to past political interference along with a shortage of capacity, many cases with strong evidence implicating those involved in corrupt procurement will be able to reach fruition. In addition, OUTA believes that if some of these matters receive priority, that some contracts currently underway may be cancelled.