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

According to the SIU, the operation is being conducted with assistance from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. The Special Tribunal granted the search warrant on 17 September 2026.

SIU says documents were missing

The investigation relates to training services involving PSIRA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

The SIU said it previously requested documents linked to the procurement or contracting of Election Observer Training, End-User Computing Training and PSIRA Grade E to C Training.

The programmes targeted 7,071 learners across all nine provinces. The SIU estimates the contract involved is worth about R130 million.

However, the SIU said PSIRA only partially complied with its request. According to the unit, the material supplied excluded about a year’s worth of documents it considered necessary for its investigation.

The SIU said this prompted it to approach the Special Tribunal for authority to seize documents and electronic devices, including computers and cellphones. It described search and seizure as a last resort when attempts to obtain information through cooperation have failed.

Investigation follows presidential proclamation

The investigation follows Proclamation 316 of 2026, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and published on 3 June.

Government records confirm the proclamation referred matters involving PSIRA and the UIF to the SIU. It authorises investigations into allegations of maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct relating to the training contracts.

The proclamation covers allegations dating from 1 January 2019 to 3 June 2026, as well as connected matters outside that period where relevant to the investigation.

No finding of wrongdoing is established by the search itself.

Under the SIU Act, the unit can pursue civil proceedings to recover state losses or challenge unlawful contracts. The SIU said any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation must be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.