About the SIU

"The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is one of our success stories over the last few years" - Former Minister of Justice, Ms Bridget Mabandla in Parliament (2007).

The SIU is a professional, multidisciplinary, forensic investigation and litigation entity which focuses on fraud, corruption and maladministration in the public sector. The Unit is an independent statutory body that is accountable to the President and Parliament. It was set up in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunal Act, 1996 (SIU Act), and is mandated to investigate, recover and prevent financial losses to the state due to various acts of corruption, fraud and maladministration.

The SIU receives a government grant through the Justice Department’s budget vote. It also receives additional project funding through its partnerships with client Departments. It also deals with private sector accomplices and can investigate private sector matters that may be harmful to the public interest.

"The unit [primarily] operates in a criminal environment using civil remedies. It does not have the power to arrest" - Deputy Minister of Justice, Johnny De Lange

The SIU has special powers to subpoena, search, conduct seizures and interrogate witnesses under oath, which is unique to the forensic environment.

The Unit litigates cases in the Special Tribunal, a specialised court that deals specifically with its cases. It does not have the power to arrest offenders and where it comes across criminal conduct it refers matters to the police and prosecuting authority.

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