SIU freezes Lucky Montana’s Hurlingham and Waterkloof homes in R5.6bn ISAMS probe

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order freezing two multimillion‑rand properties linked to former PRASA Group CEO Tshepo Lucky Montana as part of its probe into the R5.6 billion Integrated Security Access Management System (ISAMS) contracts.

What the SIU alleges

The SIU said its investigation traced payments from companies within the TMM group and Precise Trade and Invest to the purchase of Montana’s properties. It said evidence showed funds flowed from PRASA contractor Siyangena Technologies through intermediaries before reaching attorneys’ trust accounts used to secure the homes.

The Unit stated:

“The money trail is direct and uninterrupted.”

Assets preserved

The preservation order covers a Hurlingham, Johannesburg property purchased for R13.5 million and a Waterkloof, Pretoria property bought for R2.25 million. The Special Tribunal prohibited Montana from selling, transferring, leasing, encumbering or otherwise dealing with the properties while civil recovery proceedings are underway.

The Tribunal also directed the Registrar of Deeds to endorse the title deeds with caveats to prevent any unauthorised transactions.

Next steps and legal process

Montana is expected to appear before the Tribunal on 11 August to argue why the interim order should not be made final. The SIU has been instructed to institute main proceedings within 30 days.

The SIU said Montana’s lawful income could not explain the acquisitions and described the preservation order as

“an important step in safeguarding assets while we pursue recovery of financial losses suffered by the state.”

Mandate and possible referrals

The Unit reiterated its mandate under Proclamation R.153 of 2024 to investigate maladministration and corruption at PRASA. It said it will seek to hold those responsible accountable and will refer any criminal evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority.

The SIU added:

“We remain committed to protecting public resources from corruption.”