Hawks investigating SA Navy fraud, theft, and corruption worth half a billion rand - DefenceWeb

Overview

The Hawks are examining five cases of fraud, theft, and corruption within the South African Navy (SAN) worth nearly half a billion rand. This was disclosed during a briefing to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) on 12 November, as part of an update on defence portfolio investigations.

Scope of cases

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, indicated that:

“The cases go back as far as 2009 and were referred to the Hawks after investigations by Military Police were reportedly slowed or obstructed.”

Notable SAN cases

One investigation concerns fraud and corruption linked to a maintenance and repair contract for SAN surface and submarine vessels over three years. Allegations include tampering with bid documents using correction fluid, altered amounts, and forged signatures. The total tender value was reported as R52,000,000. The Military Police reported the case in 2018, with a Hawks referral in July 2024. A total of 42 statements have been collected to support corruption and fraud charges in this case.

Another contract involves supplying spares for surface and submarine vessels for three years, awarded around 2017/18 with an estimated value of R395,000,000. Internal probes suggest sub-standard spares were supplied, claimed to be procured in Germany but allegedly sourced locally. This case was also reported by Military Police in 2018 and referred to the Hawks in mid-2024, with witness statements being gathered.

In a third area, invoices submitted for work done on the SAS Umzimkhulu between November 2015 and February 2021 amount to R16,000,000, paid without confirmation that services were delivered. An internal investigation corroborated the non-delivery. This case was reported by the Military Police in 2021 and referred to the Hawks in July of the following year, with seven statements obtained so far.

Context

The inquiries are part of broader concerns about corruption and malfeasance within the defence sector, with Parliament and oversight bodies seeking clarity on procurement and accountability measures. The Defence and Military Veterans portfolio has seen multiple investigations in recent years, with parallel inquiries into related departments.

Author's note

Авторское резюме: Расследование Hawks выявляет системные нарушения в закупках оборонной отрасли ЮАР, подрывая доверие к оборонному ведомству и вызывая вопросы о надлежащем контроле за госзакупками и снабжением.

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defenceWeb defenceWeb — 2025-11-18

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