SIU recovers over R3.3 million from companies overcharging University of Fort Hare accommodation

R3.3 million recovered by SIU from overcharging firms linked to University of Fort Hare.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured acknowledgements of debt worth more than R3.3 million from companies implicated in an investigation into alleged overcharging for student accommodation at the University of Fort Hare.

According to SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho, the acknowledgements of debt (AoDs) stem from findings that service providers charged the university excessive amounts for student accommodation.

The SIU said Equicent Eastern Cape Developments, owned by Younus Atcha, and Tshongwane Trust signed acknowledgements of debt after overcharging the university over R302,000 and R2.9 million, respectively.

Makgotho said Tshongwane Trust has already repaid R1.6 million leaving an outstanding balance of over R1.66 milllion