Harith facing potential Hawks probe over PIC deals — Parliamentary sources
Parliamentary sources say the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is expected to open a probe into Harith General Partners relating to a series of controversial transactions soon.
Among the matters to be probed were the recently cited United Democratic Movement (UDM) complaint about alleged “mega-looting” at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).
In an explosive letter in October, UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa described a series of questionable investment deals, including the Lanseria Airport Holdings arrangement funded by the PIC.
The letter accused PIC executives and their private partners of systemic governance failures that risk billions in public servants’ pension funds.
Parliamentary sources say the Hawks are assessing whether prima facie evidence exists to justify an investigation, particularly where PIC funds flowed into BEE-linked deals involving Harith-affiliated entities.
According to the sources, elements of the governance concerns raised could fall within the Hawks mandate to investigate serious corruption and fraud.
The parliamentary sources also referenced prior findings from the Mpati Commission and PIC governance reviews, which recommended improved transparency and independent investigations into complex unlisted investment transactions, including those linked to Harith.
The sources said that Hawks investigators could be expected to interview relevant PIC executives and private partners, including Harith representatives, to determine whether criminal charges should follow.
This story will be updated once official responses are received from Harith and the Hawks.