By Zuko Komisa
- The SIU and Hawks raided PSIRA’s Centurion headquarters over an R130 million training contract.
- The search was launched after PSIRA failed to fully disclose records required for a presidential corruption probe.
- Investigators seized electronic devices and documents, with any criminal evidence to be handed over to the NPA.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), backed by the Hawks, has executed a search and seizure warrant at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) offices in Centurion, Pretoria. Authorised by the Special Tribunal, the raid targets a contested R130 million training tender encompassing 7,071 learners across South Africa’s nine provinces.
Under Proclamation 316 of 2026, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June, the SIU initiated a probe into procurement contracts involving PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Programmes under scrutiny include Election Observer Training, End-User Computing, and Grade E to C security courses.
Investigators took action after PSIRA allegedly failed to provide a full year of requested records. With voluntary compliance stalling, the SIU secured a warrant to seize essential documents and electronic devices, such as computers and mobile phones.
The SIU stressed that search and seizure operations are used only as a last resort when cooperation breaks down. Under the SIU Act, the unit holds powers to subpoena financial and communication records, interrogate witnesses under oath, and refer any uncovered criminal conduct directly to the National Prosecuting Authority.
READ NEXT:
