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A Hawks vehicle
The Hawks are investigating alleged tender irregularities amounting to R13 000 000 at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The university allegedly irregularly awarded a tender for emergency medical services to a company that did not meet requirements. Disgruntled bidders say there was corruption in the awarding of the tender.
The R13 000 000 tender to provide emergency medical services was advertised in August last year. The successful bidder was awarded a three-year contract in March this year. However other bidders laid a criminal charge accusing some university officials of conniving with the company’s director to manipulate the process.
They allege that the awarded company used fraudulent documentation, and also did not comply with required specifications to render emergency medical services.
Hawks spokesperson, Lethunya Muroa says they are investigating a fraud and corruption case.
“We can confirm that we are investigating fraud and corruption at the University of Venda estimated to amount to R13 000 000 where there was a tender that was irregular that side” Muroa added.
The contracted service provider is responsible for providing 24-hour emergency medical services. They also provide at least two emergency ambulances on campus.
One of the students who spoke anonymously says the emergency service is not satisfactory as they take time to respond.
Univen management says the company met the criteria.
Spokesperson, Doctor Takalani Dzaga says they are co-operating with investigators, “During 2023, the university advertised a tender for the provision of emergency medical services as a result of that is where it was evaluated, and the contract was awarded to the successful bidder in line with the University of Venda supply chain management policy. So, according to our record the successful bidder meets the criteria. The emergency contract being investigated is that we are quite shocked about the information, however, checking the satisfaction of the students with the emergency service is not surprising because they are usually late in terms of reaction time, especially for the off-campus residence,” Dzaga added.
The service provider, Brescue was given an appointment letter on the 15th of December 2023 and started working in March 2024. The company’s director, Doctor Konanani Khohomela says he is not worried about the investigation because they have provided all required documents.
“The investigators have already visited me and we have given them all the information that they need. As far as I’m concerned, there is misinformation about the deal almost everything on our side is about board we are not worried at all we are serving the university excellently and everything is running smoothly with no problems” Khohomela says.
