Lamola promises swift action against those guilty of COVID-19 corruption
Government's working with a number of law enforcement agencies to root out COVID-19 related corruption across all departments.
"It comprises the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, National Prosecuting Authority, the hawks, Crime Intelligence and Detective Services, South African Revenue Service, the Special Investigative Unit and the State Security Agency," says Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola.
Lamola made the announcement during a post-cabinet briefing on Thursday.
An inter-ministerial task team's been set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe allegations of abuse of resources earmarked for the fight against the global pandemic.
Lamola says the procurement of PPEs are being looked into among other things.
"Fraudulent distribution of food parcels, social relief grants, procurement of PPE's and other medical supplies and the looting of the unemployment insurance funds, COVID-19 temporary employee-employer relief scheme."
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Meanwhile, Lamola's promised to take swift action against anyone found guilty of looting COVID-19 funds and resources.
"Such criminals and immoral activities included inflating coated prices, intercepting and redirecting food parcels meant for the poor and acts of fraud involving funds designated to alleviate the hardships of employees and businesses affected by the shutting down of economic activities during the national lockdown."
