The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is conducting a search and seizure operation at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) premises in Centurion, Pretoria, as part of an investigation into a training contract estimated at R130 million.

The operation is being carried out under a warrant granted by the Special Tribunal on September 17, 2026, with assistance from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

The investigation relates to the procurement or contracting of training services by or on behalf of PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

The services covered under the contract include Election Observer Training, End-User Computing Training and “PSIRA Grade E to C” Training.

The training was intended for 7,071 targeted learners across all nine provinces, with the value of the contract estimated at approximately R130 million.

The SIU said its investigation followed the signing of Proclamation 316 of 2026 by President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 3, which authorised the Unit to investigate specified allegations relating to the procurement and contracting process.

Following the proclamation, the SIU requested documents from PSIRA relating to the training services.

However, the investigative unit said its request was only partially complied with.

According to the SIU, documents provided by PSIRA did not include a year’s worth of records that investigators considered necessary to advance the investigation.

The SIU subsequently approached the Special Tribunal for a search and seizure warrant to obtain the outstanding information and evidence.

The warrant allows investigators to seize documents and electronic devices, including cellphones and computers, that could assist with the investigation.

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the search and seizure operation followed attempts to obtain the information through engagement with PSIRA.

“The SIU uses search and seizure as a last resort to obtain information to assist with an investigation, after failing to secure full cooperation through cordial engagement,” said Makgotho.

The SIU said the operation was necessary to secure information that could assist investigators in establishing what happened in the procurement and implementation of the training contract.

The investigation does not mean that wrongdoing has been established.

Investigators will examine the records and electronic information obtained during the operation to determine whether there were acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration in the awarding or implementation of the contract.

The SIU is empowered under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to use a range of investigative powers.

These include subpoenaing bank statements and cellphone records, searching and seizing evidence, and interrogating witnesses under oath.

The Unit can also institute civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover losses or correct wrongdoing uncovered during an investigation.

The investigation into the PSIRA training contract is therefore expected to examine the procurement process and related transactions, as well as the conduct of individuals or entities involved.

The SIU said it would follow the evidence obtained during the search and seizure operation.

Where investigators uncover evidence pointing to criminal conduct, the matter will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible criminal prosecution.

“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration,” said Makgotho.

He said evidence pointing to criminal conduct would be referred to the NPA for further action, in line with the SIU Act.

The search comes as the SIU continues investigations into public procurement processes involving government departments and public entities.

The R130 million PSIRA and UIF-linked training contract is now under scrutiny, with investigators expected to analyse the records and electronic devices obtained during the operation.

The SIU said the investigation remains ongoing and further developments will depend on what investigators uncover from the seized material.