The Special Tribunal has dismissed Pule Mabe and Enviro Mobi’s request to stay the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) civil recovery proceedings pending the outcome of related criminal cases. Judge Brian Mashile ruled on 28 September 2026 that Mabe had not demonstrated any prejudice to his right to a fair trial that would justify pausing the civil action.
The case concerns contracts for the supply of three-wheel motorised vehicles to government departments, with allegations of irregular procurement linked to Enviro Mobi. According to a 2024 SIU media statement, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) transferred approximately R33.7 million to Enviro Mobi, of which around R15 million was allegedly diverted to Mabe, his family, and entities connected to him.
Following their arrest in October 2024, Mabe and six co-accused appeared at Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court and were granted bail of R30,000 each. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the criminal case against them remains active in the specialised commercial crimes court. A pretrial conference took place recently, but the accused remain out on bail.
Judge Mashile stated during the tribunal proceedings: “In the absence of demonstrable prejudice, there is no sufficient basis for staying these proceedings pending the finalisation of the criminal matter.” The SIU has also indicated it is seeking to review and set aside the contract awarded to Enviro Mobi.
The SIU investigation traces back to similar contracts awarded to Enviro Mobi in 2014 by the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and in 2017 by the Gauteng Department of Environmental Affairs. President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised a deeper SIU investigation in April 2021 under a formal proclamation.
While the civil recovery action continues, the criminal matter against Mabe and others remains unresolved. The SIU has secured preservation orders on assets connected to Enviro Mobi to prevent dissipation pending recovery efforts. The NPA’s Gauteng spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, emphasised that the prosecution docket presented covers all accused involved and clarified that the NPA does not conduct arrests or investigations.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in recovering state funds lost through allegedly irregular and corrupt procurement practices. It also illustrates the complex relationship between civil asset recovery and criminal prosecution in South Africa’s fight against corruption in public procurement.
Cape Flats News will continue to monitor both the civil and criminal proceedings related to Pule Mabe and Enviro Mobi for further developments and report accordingly.