CAPE TOWN - The Special Investigating Unit is probing over 30 water tanker-related cases since the Water Sector Anti-Corruption Forum was launched in March.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina acknowledges that the so-called water mafia is a problem but says plans are in place to stop them.
She delivered the opening address at the Water Institute of Southern Africa's Biennial Conference and Exhibition in Cape Town.
"When they are in source, they are able to control and monitor where the truck must be and what time," she said.
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"The Anti-Corruption Forum has been established with the SIU, and already there are more than 30 cases that SIU investigates at the same time.
"In the water committee chaired by the President, there is a component of water security and intelligence following up on the water mafia," she said.
"The water mafia people don't like me, and I don't like them either. But we shall meet in court."
About R400-billion is needed to fix crumbling water infrastructure, leaks, pipe bursts and more.
But Majodina says government does not have that kind of money, nor do municipalities.
She is looking to the private sector to come to the party.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.