5 October 2026 · Reporting checked against the current sources listed below.
Former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe has failed in an attempt to pause Special Investigating Unit civil recovery proceedings connected to an allegedly irregular Gauteng waste-vehicle tender valued at R27.6 million.
The Special Tribunal dismissed the application brought by Mabe and Enviro Mobi and ordered costs against them. Mabe had sought to halt the civil case while a High Court review and separate criminal proceedings run their course.
The SIU alleges that the procurement of 200 three-wheel waste-collection vehicles was irregular and is pursuing recovery of public money. Mabe and other accused also face criminal charges including fraud, theft and money laundering in separate proceedings. Those allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
Judge Brian Mashile found that Mabe had not demonstrated sufficient prejudice to justify staying the civil matter. The tribunal also treated the public interest in resolving allegations involving public expenditure and procurement as a reason not to delay the case.
The ruling does not determine criminal guilt. Its immediate effect is procedural but significant: the SIU’s civil recovery action can continue rather than waiting for the criminal case to conclude.
