Alleged maladministration‚ unlawful conduct by councillors and misspending of public money will be probed by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) at two municipalities in Limpopo.

The presidency confirmed on Wednesday that President Jacob Zuma had authorised the SIU to investigate the affairs of the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality.

A presidential proclamation allows the unit to subpoena‚ search‚ seize and interrogate witnesses under oath.

Significantly‚ the SIU can recover money lost to the state by instituting civil action against wrongdoers.

The proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate allegations including:

- Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the two municipalities.

- Improper or unlawful conduct by councillors‚ officials or employees of the municipalities.

- Unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.

- Unlawful‚ irregular or unapproved acquisitive act‚ transaction‚ measure or practice having a bearing upon state property.

- Intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.

- Unlawful or improper conduct by any person‚ which has caused or many cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

- Procurement of goods‚ works or services on behalf of the municipalities and payments made in respects thereof in a manner that was not fair‚ competitive‚ transparent or cost effective.