SIU freezes former municipal IT manager’s pension over R5.27 million fraudulent software tender

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has placed a temporary hold on R2.7 million in pension benefits for a former IT manager at Greater Kokstad Local Municipality. The freeze stems from accusations that he rigged a software procurement contract worth R5.27 million for his own personal gain. Owusu-Boakye was the behind the scenes operator of his own IT firm, Obytech Solutions, which was awarded the three-year contract.

The SIU found evidence of fraudulent activity in the bidding process, alleging that Owusu-Boakye misrepresented his company's capabilities. The SIU uncovered that the municipal government paid out three installments to Obytech Solutions, totaling R5.27 million, but received minimal value in return. The investigation revealed that Owusu-Boakye controlled the company's finances and was the main beneficiary of the contract. As a result, the SIU has frozen the pension benefits to ensure justice and recover public funds.