The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is pleased with the court order that stopped payments to be made in the implementation of the controversial R10 million Eastern Cape department of health scooter project. The SIU disclosed that the court order was granted on Friday by Justice Modiba at the special tribunal. The SIU said in a statement that “the Eastern Cape department of health agreed to an order interdicting and restraining it from making any payments in the amount of R10,148,750 regarding tender No. SCMU3-20/21-0022-HO.” It added that the health department agreed to the stop order and stopping "Fambkomp (PTY) LTD from taking any further steps towards” in implementing the "Scootergate" project. The contract between the department and Fambkomp for the procurement of 100 mobile clinic scooters which was prompted by the pandemic is being investigated by the SIU. “The SIU will ensure that everything is done to protect the resources of the state from any misuse. In this case, we have successfully stopped the payment before it was paid to the contractor.” The SIU claimed that the awarding of the R10 million contract was contravening the provisions of Section 217 of the Constitution, [the] Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulations. The contract was allegedly marred by irregularities and irrationality and was awarded in unusual and unexplained haste. Even after the department heard of the SIU investigations, it modified the contract but still made Fabkomp the contractor in a “fresh” contract. The SIU claimed that the modifications in awarding the contract still did not meet the specified needs of the department. On 12 June, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and Gomba unveiled six scooters fitted on the side with a first aid kit and oxygen on board.