A Hartbeespoort company is being investigated for alleged price-fixing in a Hawks investigation into the police’s Covid-19 personal protection equipment (PPE) procurement.

The company, Before Sunset Group, located in Scott Street in Schoemansville, was awarded a tender to supply two million masks to the police for an amount of R60 million.

Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed investigation into companies, saying that the Hawks is not in a position to provide details, but can confirm that companies are being investigated for alleged corruption.

Before Sunset executive group chair, Lleka Putuka, confirmed the contract and said that the Hawks raided his house in May, informing him that it was an “enquiry”. “They had a search warrant and confiscated my cellphone and laptops,” he told Kormorant. “I was told that following the investigation, they will decide if I will be charged.”

Putuka’s cellphone and laptops were later returned to him. “According to me there is nothing wrong with the contract, but seeing that this is now a formal investigation and the case is sub judice, I am not allowed to give more information,” he said. He was also contacted by the Competition Commission that informed him his prices were being investigated.

Putuka is also a pastor of the Christ Centred Chapel of Grace in Lethlabile.

According to Before Sunset Group’s website, the company offers a variety of services which include, infrastructure development, project management, architecture, engineering, construction, skills development, security solutions and mining supplies.