Pressure is mounting on law enforcement authorities to prosecute suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka, following serious bribery allegations that have shaken the state entity.

Malaka was suspended earlier this year after reports emerged linking him to irregular procurement practices and alleged bribery involving multimillion-rand infrastructure projects under the IDT’s oversight. The IDT is a public entity responsible for implementing social infrastructure programmes on behalf of government departments.

According to whistleblower accounts and leaked documents, Malaka is accused of soliciting bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding lucrative tenders. Some of the contracts in question were allegedly awarded without following proper supply chain procedures.

Civil society organisations, including Corruption Watch and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), have now called on the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to fast-track the investigation and move toward prosecution.

“Suspension alone is not accountability. South Africans deserve to see action when there’s evidence of public servants abusing their positions,” said OUTA spokesperson Lebogang Molefe. “We urge the NPA to act swiftly in the interest of justice.”

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, under which the IDT falls, confirmed that an internal disciplinary process is underway but declined to comment on the ongoing criminal investigations.