SIU welcomes dismissal of Pule Mabe’s bid to halt Enviro Mobi investigation

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the dismissal of Pule Mabe’s application to suspend its investigation and civil recovery proceedings linked to the Enviro Mobi matter.

Mabe, a former parliamentarian and former director of Enviro Mobi, had sought to pause the SIU’s civil recovery case before the Special Tribunal.

In a statement on Friday the SIU said that the Tribunal rejected the application, finding that it lacked merit and was aimed at delaying the civil recovery proceedings.

Mabe had also challenged the Presidential Proclamation authorising the SIU investigation, arguing that the pre-Proclamation investigation had tainted the process.

The Tribunal, however, confirmed that the Proclamation was validly issued and that the SIU investigation was lawful.

The Tribunal also found that Mabe’s reliance on a pending High Court review had poor prospects of success and had been launched late.

Civil and criminal cases can proceed

The SIU said the Tribunal confirmed that civil recovery proceedings can continue even while criminal charges are pending, as the two processes serve different purposes and apply different standards of proof.

The SIU investigation found that more than 90% of the R27.6 million in contract funds paid to Enviro Mobi were allegedly channelled into accounts controlled by Mabe and used for personal benefit.

The SIU said these findings support allegations of irregular procurement.

As part of its efforts to preserve assets linked to the matter, the SIU previously secured a preservation order covering assets including a property in Steyn City and a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

Mabe is also facing criminal charges arising from the same alleged irregular procurement scheme, following a referral by the SIU to the National Prosecuting Authority.