The R7.5 Million Metal Detector

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) can reveal through Parliamentary Questions that we have uncovered significant discrepancies in procurement expenditure within the Department of Correctional Services, for identical items at different correctional facilities.

The DA will now pose further probing questions to Minister Groenewald to understand the steps being taken to fast-track investigations into irregular procurement.

The responses to the DA’s questions reveal startling inconsistencies:

• Ncome and Waterval Management Areas each spent R7.5 million on a single walk-through metal detector, while other management areas procured the same equipment for between R18,000 and R107,651.
• Search mirrors were purchased for R20,000 each in some areas, compared to as little as R4,163 in others.
• Parcel scanners cost R350,000 in certain management areas, while the same equipment was procured for R135,333 elsewhere.
• Handheld metal detectors were acquired at R2,799 in Boksburg, yet cost just R345 in other centres.
• CCTV cameras at facilities like Mthatha, Barberton, Groenpunt, and Bizza Makhate cost over R12,000 each, while most other areas paid R4,415 or less.
• Two-way radios were procured at R2,949 in most management areas, except Kokstad, which paid only R461 each.

At best, these discrepancies indicate a failure to implement proper procurement practices to secure value for money. At worst, they suggest potential misuse of public funds through an inadequate procurement system, and inflated prices.

These issues come to light as Parliament considers the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report for the Department, highlighting the financial challenges it faces as the population of incarcerated persons grows.

The Minister’s response to the question indicates financial mismanagement, undermining any argument for increased funding. The Department’s reckless expenditure, paired with the absence of safeguards to prevent waste, makes their calls for additional resources unsustainable.

To address this, the Auditor-General has recommended that the Department “finalise measures to address procurement of similar goods through competitive bidding processes as legislated to prevent irregular expenditure.” The DA strongly supports this recommendation and calls for its immediate implementation.

If necessary, disciplinary action must be taken against officials responsible for such wasteful practices. Moreover, we will demand the Department prioritize the implementation of preventative measures to eliminate irregular expenditure and strengthen procurement processes.

While budget constraints remain a challenge, it is evident that more stringent procurement processes—not additional resources—are critical to improving financial efficiency and ensuring accountability in this vital, yet financially strained, department.

Regards

Kabelo Kgobisa-Ngcaba MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Correctional Services