The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has shut down viral claims that it is investigating influencers in connection with a corruption probe linked to Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla, labelling the allegations as “fake news” and clarifying how its investigations work.
The response follows widely shared posts on X that alleged the SIU had expanded its probe to include high-profile influencers, with claims that investigators were seeking access to bank accounts and luxury assets.
One of the posts, shown below, named several personalities and suggested that public funds may have financed their lifestyles.
SIU rejects claims and clarifies mandate
The SIU moved quickly to correct the narrative, and described the reports as fake news:
“The SIU does not target people nor do we investigate people. We investigate procurement processes in State Institutions and all levels of government departments, and it’s through these processes that we find people who are responsible. In simple terms, we follow the money and the money leads us to people.”
The unit reinforced that position by explaining how investigations begin and who authorises them:
“The law that governs the SIU states that the SIU does not identify its own investigations. We receive allegations, which we then assess to see if falls within our mandate, and we write a motivation for a proclamation to the President for authorisation.”
It also pointed the public to its reporting channels:
“We rely on whistleblowers or people reporting to our hotline, which is 0800 037 774. Email siu@thehotline.co.za”
For context, the SIU is currently charged with several investigations, including Thembisa funds misappropriation, reinforcing its focus on institutional financial misconduct rather than individuals.
Influencers trend as speculation spreads
Social media amplified the claims and placed influencers such as Cyan Boujee, Sithelo Shozi and MaWhoo at the centre of the conversation. Users questioned their sources of wealth and called for lifestyle audits, despite the absence of verified links to any SIU investigation.
The speculation followed long-standing online narratives that associate influencers with wealthy benefactors, often referred to as “blessers”. Posts attempted to connect those narratives to Lerutla, who faces charges unrelated to municipal procurement spending.
What the SIU actually investigates
The SIU has drawn a clear line between social media claims and its legal mandate. It investigates corruption through procurement systems, not personal relationships or online speculation. When it uncovers evidence of criminal conduct, it refers that evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution.
It can also institute civil proceedings to recover public funds and set aside irregular contracts. This process often involves tracing money through companies, contracts and financial records — not starting with individuals.
That approach has played out in recent cases. This week, the SIU revealed it secured a preservation order freezing R76.5 million in assets linked to alleged Eskom corruption involving businessman Siyabonga Moses Goodwill Nkosi. The order covers properties and luxury vehicles allegedly acquired through inflated procurement contracts.
Lerutla case fuels wider attention
Lerutla’s arrest has intensified public interest and speculation. He appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates Court alongside co-accused Julius Mkhwanazi, facing charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice linked to a 2019 case.
Details emerging in court — including allegations of bribery and attempts to evade legal consequences — have widened concerns around governance and accountability. Those concerns now overlap with explosive claims by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on alleged SAPS links to drug syndicates, alongside broader scrutiny unfolding under the Ramaphosa-led commission into police corruption.
SIU warns against misinformation
The SIU has urged the public to rely on verified information and to report credible allegations through its official hotline and email channels. It stressed that it assesses all tips before seeking authorisation to investigate.
For now, the unit’s position remains firm: it has not launched any investigation into influencers linked to the Lerutla matter. The viral claims that sparked the online frenzy do not reflect any official SIU action.
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