A former high ranking government official has been arrested. Graphic: SAPS

A former high ranking government official (52) was arrested on Friday by the Hawks’ Commercial Unit. According to a statement released by the South African Police Services the man is expected to appear in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 13 October to face charges relating to corruption, fraud and money laundering.

The accused was allegedly instrumental in manipulating the tender processes of the Department of Health in the Western Cape between 2009 and 2010. The tenders, worth approximately R35 million, were in respect of provision of security services to clinics in the Province.

“As a result of the accused’s actions, tenders were allegedly unduly awarded to undeserving companies, which on-going investigations, have since linked with the accused.”