Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling to recover R67 million from a contractor who defrauded the Public Works Department. The ruling follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers between 2015 and 2019.
The SIU investigation uncovered a scheme involving falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and illicit payments to public officials who manipulated tender processes. These contracts, worth a total of R67 million, were secured through corrupt means. The Tribunal’s ruling also blocks a R33 million counterclaim lodged by the contractor against the Department.
“This recovery order is a significant step in our drive to recover public funds and hold wrongdoers accountable,” said Minister Macpherson. “Those who defraud the state must understand that justice will be pursued, regardless of how long ago the offence occurred.”
Macpherson credited the outcome to close collaboration between his department and the SIU, stating that such partnerships are essential in rooting out corruption, fraud, and mismanagement. “This case highlights the value of our joint efforts in restoring integrity within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to ensuring fair and lawful procurement practices. He revealed that lifestyle audits are being finalised for more than 400 high-risk officials as part of ongoing reforms.
“We are determined to transform this Department into an efficient delivery arm of the state—one that completes infrastructure projects on time, within budget, and free from corruption,” said Macpherson. “Every cent of public money must be protected and used responsibly to build a better South Africa.”
