Latest news with #R45m
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Macpherson hails SIU's R67m recovery from ‘corrupt' contractor
The Special Tribunal has ordered R67 million be recovered from Kroucamp Plumbers after the contractor defrauded the public works department. A R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on Friday against a contractor that defrauded the department of public works and infrastructure has been welcomed by Minister Dean Macpherson. He described the development as a critical victory in the fight against corruption. The order was granted by the Special Tribunal, targeting Kroucamp Plumbers. The company secured contracts worth R67 million from the department of public works and infrastructure (DPWI) between 2015 and 2019. The SIU has called the method of obtaining these contracts a 'corrupt network' of falsified bids, undisclosed conflicts of interest and payments to state officials. Counterclaim averted in major legal win 'This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds,' Macpherson said. 'Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again.' According to the department, the order not only facilitates the recovery of the full contract value. It also prevents a looming R33 million counterclaim that Kroucamp Plumbers had intended to bring against the DPWI. The SIU's investigation uncovered a manipulation of tender processes by officials working in concert with the contractor. This forms part of a broader pattern of fraud that Macpherson's ministry has pledged to dismantle. 'Since taking office, we have worked closely with the SIU to support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement and fraud across the department,' Macpherson said. 'The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration.' ALSO READ: Zikalala slams 'spurious' allegations about R45m IDT lease deal, heads to Public Protector Lifestyle audits for over 400 officials underway The department is now finalising lifestyle audits for more than 400 high-risk officials. This aims to reinforce financial accountability and improve procurement transparency. 'Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated,' Macpherson added. 'We are working hard to turn the department of public works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa.' Macpherson reaffirmed that the department is determined to ensure all infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget and free from corruption. NOW READ: Macpherson vows action on failed projects and EPWP reform
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- The Citizen
There has been an increase in this robbery method in Joburg
These incidents typically occur when individuals are targeted in public spaces and followed to their homes. Security company Community Active Protection (CAP) has raised the alarm over a growing trend of follow-home robberies in Johannesburg. It warned residents to remain alert and adopt preventative strategies to avoid falling victim to these organised attacks. 'Criminals are calculated and methodical' According to CAP, these incidents typically occur when individuals are targeted in public spaces and followed to their homes, where criminals wait for the right moment to strike, often as residents enter their driveways or open gates. 'These attacks are not random,' the organisation said in a safety update this week. 'Victims are often selected for their visible luxury items, expensive vehicles or after making significant purchases or cash withdrawals.' CAP further cautioned that these crimes can happen at any time of day and that ride-hailing services do not eliminate the risk. 'Attackers may use multiple vehicles and often strike during routine, vulnerable moments,' the statement added. ALSO READ: Parliament criticises police's 'lethargy' when responding to missing persons cases Steps residents can take CAP stressed the importance of situational awareness and unpredictability to reduce vulnerability. 'While out in public, maintain acute awareness and avoid displaying valuables or large sums of cash,' it advised. On the road, it recommends being aware of vehicles that follow you or mimic your movements. 'Vary your routes and routines to maintain unpredictability,' CAP said. If residents suspect they are being followed, they should not go home. 'Your residence is your most vulnerable point […] Drive to a safe public location – such as a police station, busy petrol station or shopping centre – and call the CAP Control Room on 0861 227 227,' it said. ALSO READ: 'Barbarism and brutality': Burnt body found in Mahikeng field sparks vigilante killing fears Safe arrival at home Before turning onto your street, CAP advises checking if you're being followed. 'If suspicious, do not proceed directly home. Instead, circle the block or wait in a safe, public area until you are certain you are not being tailed. Use remote gate controls well in advance, avoiding idling at your gate.' Residents are also urged to keep panic buttons nearby and report any suspicious behaviour. 'Your active participation and heightened vigilance are fundamental to our collective safety,' CAP concluded. NOW READ: Top Saps crime intelligence boss arrested for R45m property deals
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Cape Town's luxury homes market skyrockets with $50mln sales in Q1
Sales of luxury trophy homes priced over R20m surged to a record high for the first quarter of this year. These sales have been predominantly in the high-end suburbs of the Atlantic Seaboard and Southern Suburbs, according to the Seeff Property Group. Propstats data shows a record 53 high value sales worth over R1.6bn in the first three months of this year. Half of this value comes from just 25 sales in the Atlantic Seaboard suburbs, the latest being a luxury 383m² apartment in The Aurum in Bantry Bay, sold for R65m by Seeff to a local buyer, says Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard. Seeff concluded nine high value sales in the first quarter, and Levin says wealthy buyers are currently seeing Cape Town property as a good store of wealth. Properties are selling much faster with sole mandate properties averaging just five weeks on the market. Even older properties which have been on the market for a while are now selling. Adrian Mauerberger and Bryan Ginsberg who sold the R65m apartment, say the majority of buyers are locals, but there is still a big semigration market. For sellers still contemplating, there is no better time than now due to a shortage of stock across all sectors and price ranges, say the agents. The iconic location and lifestyle is drawing buyers from all over. We're seeing an influx of locals, as well as buyers from Gauteng, KZN, the UK and Germany especially who are investing here right now, mostly cash buyers. Further sales include three homes in Camps Bay sold for R45m (local buyer), R21m (German buyer), and R33.75m (UK buyer, shared sale). Additionally, sales of R20m and R23m in Fresnaye (both local buyers), and at the Waterfront of R29.5m (local buyer), R33m (KZN buyer), and R29m (German buyer). As a result of the high value sales at least eight of Cape Town's top 10 suburbs for wealthy buyers currently boast a luxury house price of over R20m, the remaining two being over R15m. Here's a look at how Cape Town's luxury suburbs stack up in terms of average selling price for Q1 2025, according to Propstats and Seeff – with a comparison to what those prices looked like back in 2020: Clifton – R42m vs R37m Bishopscourt – R24.65m vs R15.84m Camps Bay – R24.14m vs R13.18m Llandudno – R23m vs R20.06m Waterfront – R21.61m vs R11.2m Bantry Bay – R21.58m vs R20.45m Higgovale – R21.51m vs R22.51m (massive R85m sale) Constantia – R21.07m vs R12.565m Fresnaye – R17.4m vs R15.07m Oranjezicht – R16.56m vs R9.97m Seeff also made six high-value sales in the Southern Suburbs, mostly Bishopscourt and Constantia Upper. Francois Venter, lead agent for Seeff in the area says here too, agents are seeing a mix of new and old listings selling, with his team scooping six recent high-value sales. These include a vacant plot in Bishopscourt sold for R20.25m (local buyer), along with homes sold in Constantia for R42m (Polish buyer), R24.7m (German buyer), and three sales to local buyers at R36m, R31m and R20.5m respectively. "We're seeing tremendous confidence in the property market right now," says Venter. "Cape Town is also the only city in the country that frequently ranks in top global city indices for tourism and property-value growth. "With its scenic location between mountain and sea—every bit as beautiful as the French Riviera or Monaco—and its cosmopolitan lifestyle and top-quality real estate, the Atlantic Seaboard is the jewel of South Africa's property market," says Levin. Venter says that Constantia and Bishopscourt likewise offer the allure of a picturesque setting with the mountain, lush greenery, and access to the nearby historic wine estates. Properties offer privacy, expansive gardens, and luxurious amenities such as tennis courts and swimming pools, and easy access to leading schools, combining country charm with urban accessibility. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
