Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed in a July 10 media release that an investigation has determined that at least R300-million has been stolen from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) by cybercriminals over a ten-year period.

The latest incident took place in May, when cyber-attackers stole R24-million from the department. This prompted a full forensic investigation by the Hawks, the South African Police Services, the State Security Agency and experts in the information and communications technology and cybersecurity industry.

This revelation emerged as Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala conducted detailed assessments of the work of the department through the incoming briefings from department branches.

“It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cybercriminals for over a ten-year period and this should have been picked up a lot earlier.

“I felt it important to let South Africa know what has happened and what we are doing about it. I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” says Macpherson.

The Minister has pledged to crack down on these syndicates and those inside the department, or outside the department, who may be working with them.

“We want to put a stop to this immediately because we cannot allow our department to be subjected to unchecked looting. This is money that could have been spent on our infrastructure drive to improve the lives of South Africans.

“The investigation will be expanded and deepened to find the masterminds and the beneficiaries of this grand theft, and I want to see them in prison,” Macpherson asserts.

The DPWI also reports that four officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by the investigators.

The four DPWI officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official. The department says it was forced to shut down all its payment systems, causing significant delays in the payment of its creditors.

“I welcome the precautionary suspension of four individuals including senior managers and the seizure of over 30 laptops for further examination by the investigative teams. This will allow the investigations to proceed smoothly. 

“We are appealing to the team probing this security breach to conclude their investigation with speed.  We do not want prolonged investigations with no results and consequences. There is simply no place for corruption in this department,” Macpherson says.

“I further welcome the initial swift investigation launched by my predecessor and now Deputy Minister Zikalala. The department has suffered a massive financial loss and those responsible for protecting us from cybercriminals must be held to account.

“We need answers as to what happened under their watch.  We also ask the investigators to trace and follow the money and ensure that it is brought back to the coffers of government,” he adds.