Hawks investigate tender box bombing
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, is investigating the bombing of a tender box in the early hours last Wednesday.
The tender box at the Department of Education’s Hans Van Rensburg Building in Polokwane was bombed by unknown suspects on the last day of submission of a School Feeding Scheme tender.
According to the Acting Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, preliminary investigations have revealed that three suspects were seen dropping something inside the tender box and the box exploded a few minutes after they had left.
The Acting Head of the Hawks, Major General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, has confirmed that the matter has been handed to an elite unit which deals with crimes against the state.
“We view this matter in a serious light and we will exhaust all avenues in our quest to bring perpetrators to book. We simply cannot tolerate people manufacturing and detonating explosive devices in our communities. This is not only classified as malicious damage to property, it is also a threat to the life and limb. We will not rest until we have taken those responsible into custody and before a court of law,” said Ntlemeza.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop anonymously on 0860010111 or SMS 32211 – all information will the dealt with as strictly confidential.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the provincial Department of Education, Paena Galane said the Schools Nutrition Programme which feeds needy learners will continue in province schools.
This follows the establishment of processes to continue with the submission of tender documents after the burning of the Departmental Tender Box this morning. The submission deadline has been extended to the June 17.
“Community members will from Monday be able to access tender documents from the department. The re-submission of the documents will take place from the June, 8 to 17. New Tender Box will be placed in the Limpopo Education Department at 113 Biccard Street, Polokwane,” said Galane.
Palane said entrepreneurs who have already paid in line with requirements of tender procedures will be exempted from paying again. Interested entrepreneurs are urged to use the extended days wisely and not wait for the closing date as there will be no document accepted after 11AM on the June, 17.
“The Department wishes to apologise for all inconveniences caused by the criminal incident that happened and assures the citizens that the incident will be averted by all cost,” said Galane
