Investigation Demanded in Gauteng for Alleged Overpayment on Pistols

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has come under severe criticism after spending R9,7 million on just 124 pistols, raising eyebrows within the public sphere and watchdog organizations alike. AfriForum, the South African non-profit organisation, is spearheading the demand for transparency and accountability over what many are deeming an outrageous expenditure that amounts to approximately R78 000 per firearm, a sum that far exceeds the market value of pistols typically issued to law enforcement officers.

This excessive expenditure has been brought to light by the Department’s 2023/2024 annual report, which revealed that while the tender was awarded in the previous financial year, the delivery of these firearms is scheduled for the current year. The intended recipients of the pistols are the officers from the 'amaPanyaza', a unit established by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi with the intention of reinforcing crime prevention strategies in the province. However, since its inception in 2023, the unit has been shrouded in controversy, particularly over the decision to arm 6,000 officers, a move criticized by some as imprudent.

AfriForum, through its Legal and Risk Manager Marnus Kamfer, has expressed its concerns regarding the notable disparity in the spending on the firearms. The organization argues that the price of a standard law enforcement pistol ranges between R15,000 to R25,000, and the figures presented for these 124 pistols are not only suspicious but indicative of potential impropriety within the tender-awarding process.

The scrutiny extends beyond just the firearm tender and focusing on Lesufi’s broader leadership track record. The Gauteng Premier has already been embroiled in criticism over alleged irregular expenditures spanning nearly R43,31 billion. Further allegations claim Lesufi played a pivotal role in a putative cover-up of extensive fraud and money laundering in other provincial departments, notably in the Department of Social Development.

AfriForum's approach signals a no-tolerance stance towards any form of mismanagement or corruption. By leveraging the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), the organisation is seeking detailed information about the specifics of the tender and the circumstances under which it was awarded. The action underscores the significance of robust civil society involvement in holding government figures and bodies accountable for their financial transactions, particularly in matters where wastage or misuse of public funds is suspected.

Asserting the necessity of due diligence, Kamfer avows that AfriForum's commitment to the welfare of Gauteng's residents mandates rigorous examination of such tenders in question. They emphasize their readiness to take subsequent action upon receiving the information requested through PAIA, to protect community interests and ensure fiscal responsibility within the provincial government.

The case echoes a growing concern over government spending in South Africa, flagging the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to safeguard public resources. For Gauteng’s residents, who depend on their government for safety and development, the implications of such allegations are significant and invoke the urgency for transparency.