Public update by the National Head: Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya (SOEG):4th quarter of 2022/2023 financial year

Dear South Africans,

Members of the media,

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning.

Today marks our fourth public update of the successes achieved by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

Fellow South Africans, from the outset, let me indicate that during the fourth quarter, the DPCI arrested at least seven hundred and one (701) suspects that were successfully secured before the various courts across the country. Two hundred and eighty four (284) accused persons were convicted and sentenced which earned them a title of being a criminal.

Thirty eight (38) suspects were arrested by the DPCI for Cash-In-Transit (CIT) while four (4) were convicted and sentenced during this quarter. Over and above, thirty (30) suspects were arrested for CIT related offences.

A total of thirteen (13) suspects were arrested by the DPCI for murder of police officials while six (6) were convicted and sentenced to share ten (10) life imprisonment terms.

The DPCI continues to jointly respond to those who committed crimes relating to the Covid-19 Relief Fund as coordinated at the Fusion Center, which is housed at the Financial Intelligence Center (FIC). As at the end of May 2023, 194 suspects were brought to book. Of these, 49 out of 52 accused were convicted which represents 94% conviction rate.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this brief, I shall only highlight 32 cases which represent 3% of these 985 successes. In this sample, 19 cases are for convictions while 13 are for arrest. In the 19 cases for convictions, 116 persons have been convicted while in 13 arrest cases, 39 suspects have been arrested. These 39 suspects are now added to their co-accused on the court roll which makes 75 accused persons in these 13 cases that makes an average of 6 accused per case.

Let me also indicate that the case of White Spiritual Boy Trust laid by Dr Sexwale has now been concluded with the allegations unsubstantiated.

CONVICTIONS:

CASE 1 – FORTY FIVE YEARS AND LIFE TERM FOR KILLING POLICE

KWAZULU-NATAL: On 14 November 2019, Kwa-Mbonambi Detectives were tracking Phumowakhe Ndwandwe (24) who was sought for house robbery and rape charges at Cinci Reserve. His house was identified and surrounded by the police. When he realised that he was surrounded, he fired shots through the window and escaped. Detective Sergeant Sakhile Nsibande, peace upon him, was shot and rushed to hospital where he succumbed to the injury.

A case of murder was reported and allocated to the Hawks from Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

On 15 November 2019, a joint operation was conducted by Empangeni Public Order Police, Crime Intelligence, Kwa-Mbonambi Detectives and Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation. Ndwandwe was arrested at Kwa-Msane area and an unlicensed firearm seized. His bail application was successfully opposed. He remained in custody until his conviction in December 2022.

On Monday 16 January 2023, Kwa Zulu Natal High Court sitting at Mtubatuba sentenced Ndwandwe to life imprisonment for the murder, 15 years imprisonment for house robbery, 15 years imprisonment for rape and 15 years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm as well as ammunition. His sentences will run concurrently.

CASE 2 – WIFE SENTENCED FOR KILLING HER RETIRED HUSBAND

GAUTENG: On 17 January 2018, the body a retired Major General Thekiso Hendrik Mogoerane, peace upon him, was discovered on the back seat of his Hyundai Accent, which was abandoned at Birchleigh, Kempton Park.

An investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation led to the arrest of nine (9) persons including the deceased’s wife, the then Lieutenant Colonel Cordelia Velaphi Mogoerane of Crime Intelligence. The other accused were acquitted while one passed on.

On 10 February 2023, Gauteng Local Division of the High Court sentenced the deceased’s wife to life imprisonment following a lengthy trial for conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

CASE 3 – 40 YEARS IMPRISONMENT METED ON POLICE MURDERER

GAUTENG: On the evening of 10 October 2021, Kwezi Dali (54), an off duty traffic officer from Gauteng Community Safety, peace upon him, visited a tavern in Boksburg. Whilst in his vehicle at the parking lot, he was confronted by two suspects. They demanded valuables from him. They searched him and found a state firearm permit which resulted in the robbery thereof.

The officer was tortured, beaten up and poured with boiling water. He succumbed to his injuries. The case was transferred to the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for a further probe.

Sthembiso Shadrack Ndlazi (24) was arrested shortly afterwards whilst the second suspect committed suicide before he could be arrested.

On 13 January 2023, Ndlazi was found guilty by the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court for murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances. He is sentenced to serve thirty (30) years imprisonment for murder and ten (10) years for robbery with aggravated circumstances. The sentences are to run concurrently.

CASE 4: THREE LIFE SENTENCES FOR POLICE KILLERS

FREE STATE: On 02 August 2019, Sergeant Koos Mokoena of Crime Intelligence Free State and Andile Ranyane, peace upon them, were killed at Phuthaditjaba. A vehicle, laptop and a cellphone were stolen.

The case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem for further investigation. The investigations resulted in the arrests of five (5) suspects between 8 and 9 August 2019.

On 24 February 2023, the five (5) accused were sentenced by the Harrismith Regional Court for two counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances as follows:

Koenehelo Setoromo (36), double life plus fifteen (15) years imprisonment.

Patrick Tumelo Raletjoe (31), double life plus fifteen (15) years imprisonment.

Teboho Mokoena (28), double life plus fifteen (15) years and 12 months imprisonment.

Teboho Semano Monyane (33) double life plus fifteen (15) years imprisonment.

Enoch Rasunyane (31), 20 and 10 years imprisonment.

CASE 5 – SENTENCE IN A CASE INVOLVING TWO SLAIN HAWKS OFFICERS

NORTH WEST: On 06 March 2020, a cash in transit robbery took place in Mahikeng where Detective Warrant Officer Delene Grobler-Koonin (44) and Detective Warrant Officer Wynand Herbst (42) of the DPCI Tactical Operations Section, peace upon them, were fatally wounded.

The armed gang, shot and forced a cash security van off the road and attempted to blow it open and stole firearms. When members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) approached the suspects, they fled, which resulted in high speed chase. Members of the DPCI were alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle in question.

Follow-up operations which included the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF) continued. Later in the day, the suspects were cornered at a Total garage near Coligny where the SAPS STF engaged the suspects in exchange of gunfire which resulted in the arrest of two suspects and fatal wounding of three.

In the process, three (3) AK47 rifles, two pistols, 86 ammunition and two vehicles were seized. As investigation continued, additional suspects were arrested bringing the total number to nine (9). Solomon Ngubeni (47), Jabulani Moses Yika (41), Musa Mkhavela (33), Terefe Demmissie (39), Edgar Marule (47), Simphiwe Msibi (24), Jabulane Sibisi (53), Omphile Maswabi (33) and Thuso Tshepo Lobelo (31) made court appearances facing charges of murder, attempted murder, pre-meditated murder, possession of firearms, possession of ammunition, possession of explosives and malicious damage to property.

On 17 February 2023, Yika was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting at Mmabatho. The matter against the other accused was remanded to 15 June 2023 for trial.

CASE 6 – CIT GUARD SENTENCED TO FIFTEEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT

GAUTENG: On 28 October 2019, an armed robbery took place on Fidelity Guards inside Batho Plaza, Soshanguve. This happened just after they had serviced an ATM at Capitec bank.

A meticulous investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation resulted in the arrest of five (5) suspects, namely, Jan Mafolo (32), Paul Patrick Sekhalelo (42), Tebogo Abraham Leotlela (49) all three former Fidelity guards, July Mkhatswa (39), and the late Ernest Lesiba @ ‘Wire’.

Between February and March 2022, the cases against Mafolo, Sekhaolelo and Makhatswa were finalised with sentences of imprisonment ranging from 10 to 39 years respectively.

On 24 March 2023, the last accused, Leotlela, who has been in custody since his arrest on 30 October 2019, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years imprisonment by the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court for an armed robbery.

CASE 7 – BUSINESSMAN SENTENCED FOR R2.6 MILLION ESKOM FRAUD

MPUMALANGA: During November 2013, Eskom employees, Nwabisa Ngxola and Cinderella Moropane colluded with Micheal Chimanzi (56), the sole Director of Chimanzi Investments and submitted fraudulent invoices to Eskom for services which were never rendered. Fraudulent transactions were channelled to Chimanzi Investments business account, which prejudiced Eskom to the actual loss of R2.6 million. Arrest was effected in 2018.

On 1 March 2023, Chimanzi was found guilty and sentenced by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for fraud, theft and money laundering. During the sentencing, the court took into consideration that Chimanzi already spent four years in custody. Furthermore the accused showed remorse and pleaded guilty from the beginning without wasting State resources. Chimanzi, was sentenced to eight (8) years imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years.

The trial of Nwabisa Ngxola and Cinderella Moropane, who pleaded not guilty, was separated from that of Chimanzi. The case against the two was postponed to 2 May 2023 for sentencing, and their bail was extended. Although this date is outside the reporting time, it is worth mentioning that Ngxola has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment on 103 counts while the case of Moropane is postponed to 29 June 2023 for sentencing.

CASE 8 – 87 ILLEGAL MINERS SHARES 696 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

NORTH WEST: On 20 October 2021, eighty seven (87) illegal miners were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, assisted by the Special Task Force and the District Illicit Mining Task Team at Shaft 2 in Orkney. The operation was a culmination of months of surveillance after the illegal miners took control of a dormant shaft.

During the operation, a shoot-out between the police and the illegal miners ensued, resulting in six illegal miners being fatally wounded and eight injured. Illegal mining paraphernalia, gold bearing material, two mini buses, eleven firearms (3 x rifles, 3x shotguns, 4 x pistols, and 1 x revolver), about 4000 cartridges of ammunition and bags of food were seized. All the accused remained in custody since their arrest.

On 28 March 2023, the accused were arraigned on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and convicted after a choice of no contest plea.

On 30 March 2023, the eighty seven (87) accused were sentenced to equally share a combined six hundred and ninety six (696) years imprisonment, when they appeared before the Stilfontein Regional Court.

CASE 9- FRAUDSTER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

KWAZULU-NATAL: Between 2009 and 2019, Zakariya Vahed (49) was employed as an Accountant. He fraudulently transferred cash from the company’s bank account to his personal account. As a result, the company suffered a financial loss of more than R7 million. A case of fraud was reported at Sydenham police station and the docket was allocated to Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. Vahed was arrested in October 2020 and released on R10 000.00 bail. He appeared several times in court until he pleaded guilty in August 2022.

On 27 March 2023 Durban Regional Court sentenced Vahed to fifteen (15) years direct imprisonment for ninety-three (93) counts of fraud.

CASE 10 – TRIO TO SHARE 33 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR FRAUD

MPUMALANGA: During 2011, Grace Makoka (46), a former deputy director at the Department of Land and Rural Development, fraudulently issued an appointment letter to a service provider, Thandi Mndawe of Sadia Trading, who did not tender documents to render any services to the Department.

The company received an undue payment of R2 950 000.00 for services that were never rendered. Mndawe and her business partner, Zenzele Mncwango (52) were later instructed by Makoka to make a cash withdrawal followed by a couple of electronic transfers to another company. Further cash demands were also made by Sikhumbuzo Nkosi (45), the husband to Makoka.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Nelspruit investigated the matter which resulted in the arrest of four accused persons. Mndawe entered into a plea sentence agreement with the state and she was given a suspended sentence in 2018.

On 20 January 2023, Makoka, Mncwango and Nkosi were found guilty and each sentenced by the Nelspruit Regional Court to ten (10) year’s imprisonment of which three years is suspended for fraud. They were further sentenced to three years imprisonment for money laundering. The trio will each serve an effective ten (10) years imprisonment.

CASE 11 – HEFTY FINE FOR CONTRAVENTION OF TAX ADMINISTRATION ACT

EASTERN CAPE: Between 1996 and 2019, after the commencement of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act of 1991, Hauguan Weng, as the sole director of Weng Hua Bottle Store (Pty) Ltd, was liable to register for VAT but failed to do so. He commenced with the running of the business instead. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) through its forensic investigation detected the discrepancy and lodged a complaint with East London Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks for further investigation. Investigations revealed that SARS was prejudiced cash to value of more than R11.5 million.

On 22 September 2022, Weng was arrested. After a series of court appearances, he was finally convicted and sentenced on 23 March 2023 to a fine of R100 000 or to undergo 24 months imprisonment of which half is suspended for 3 years on conditions.

CASE 12- FRAUDSTER SENTENCED TO TWENTY TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT

MPUMALANGA: In March 2010, Penelope Hlengiwe Khumalo (46), a former employee of the SARS assisted VAT vendors to complete and submit fraudulent returns with the aim to receive undue refunds from SARS. SARS suffered an actual loss of R550 000.00.

On 28 February 2023, Khumalo was found guilty by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and sentenced to fourteen (14) years combined imprisonment on four (4) counts of fraud and eight (8) years collective imprisonment on two counts of corruption. Khumalo will effectively serve ten years imprisonment without an option of a fine.

CASE 13 – FOUR ACCUSED SENTENCED ON IMMIGRATION LAW

MPUMALANGA: During 2021 and 2022, an official of the Department of Home Affairs allegedly colluded with South African citizens to assist foreign nationals from Pakistan and Bangladesh to obtain South African passports using their identity documents. The foreign nationals fraudulently replaced the owner’s photos with theirs and assumed the names of the South Africans. Faud Mohammed Ali (37), Christopher Marillier (39), Gabriel Samuel Van der Merwe (33) and Sifiso Kheswa (31) were arrested by Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of Middelburg.

On 28 February 2023, the four accused were sentenced by the White River Magistrates’ Court for fraud and corruption relating to Immigration Act. They were each sentenced to R100 000 fine or three years imprisonment for charges relating to contravention of Immigration Act. They further received R40 000 fine or 12 months imprisonment each. The case against Nhlanhla Mathebula (40), a former Home Affairs official is postponed to 11-13 September 2023 for trial.

CASE 14: PUBLIC SERVANT SENTENCED SEVENTY FIVE YEARS FOR FRAUD

EASTERN CAPE: During the period between 1 May 2008 and 15 September 2009, Ziqelekazi Matyholo (45), a Senior Admin Clerk for the Department of Justice and Correctional Service who was attached to Human Resource Section, was charged with the responsibility of facilitating redeployment, implementing relocation costs, furniture removal and resettlement benefits of the existing government employees appointed to other posts within the Department.

On discovering some discrepancies where even new employees were paid relocation costs and resettlement benefits, the Department lodged a complaint with the East London based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in December 2010.

It was establishing that she requested invoices from Service Providers for the removal of furniture for the employees who relocated to different districts around the Eastern Cape and Free State. She processed the quotations and invoices for the removal of the furniture to the Department for payment which were approved and paid. She then instructed the Service Providers to withdraw the money and hand it over to her. It later transpired that the Service Providers never even rendered the services. The Department was prejudiced cash to the value of more than R113 000.

On 4 July 2012 Matyholo was arrested and released on warning. She subsequently made several court appearances until her conviction 2 February 2022.

The matter was remanded several times before her sentencing on 10 February 2023. She was sentenced to five (5) years on each of fifteen (15) count of fraud making the a combined total of seventy five (75) years but all counts runs concurrently which means that she shall serve 5 years imprisonment.

CASE 15 – ACCUSED GETS 15 YEARS FOR STEALING R3M FROM NEDBANK

NORTH WEST: On 11 April 2018, Welcome Marcus (55) and his accomplice were dressed in security uniforms when they went into a Nedbank branch at Anderson Street, Klerksdorp and indicated that they were there to collect money. They then collected an amount of R3 million and left the bank. It was only after they had left that the bank officials realised that the pair were bogus security officials.

The matter was reported to the Hawks and probed by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of the pair in Johannesburg on 13 May 2018. They made their first appearance in court facing charges of theft and were each released on R30 000 bail. The case was later dropped against the second accused while Marcus made several court appearances until he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Regional Court on 11 January 2023.

CASE 16 – ILLICIT CIGARETTES SMUGGLER FINED R1 MILLION

POLOKWANE: During September 2022, Limpopo Highway Patrol members stopped a suspicious Truck driving on the N1 near Botlokwa. The truck was searched and boxes containing illicit cigarettes (Remington Gold) with the value of R1 786 685-03 were found and seized. Pathisane Khumalo (28) (driver) and Victor Sithole (25) were arrested and the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation members were summoned to the scene to take over the investigation.

As the investigation progressed, it was established that the consignments were destined for Gauteng Province. Khumalo was charged for contravening the Customs and Excise Act while Sithole was charged for contravening the Immigration Act. The accused were kept in custody as their bail was successfully opposed.

On 8 February 2023, the duo pleaded guilty and they were sentenced by Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Khumalo was sentenced to R1 million fine and also declared unfit to possess a firearm while Sithole was fined R5 000 or two years imprisonment.

CASE 17 – FRAUDSTER SENTENCED FOR FRAUDULENT INVESTMENT SCAM

NORTH WEST: Between 2006 and 2009, Maria Magdelina Trevorou (57) operated an unregistered investment scheme and recruited several people to invest money with her company. Multiple complainants deposited an all-inclusive R3.2 Million into her bank account hoping for profit. None of them received their interest nor their invested capital as promised. The matter was reported to the Klerksdorp based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks and she was later served with summons to appear in court. The matter has been at court since 20 January 2020.

On 16 January 2023, Trevorou pleaded guilty on 20 counts of fraud and contravention of Bank Act preferred against her. She was sentenced by Klerksdorp Regional Court to ten (10) years imprisonment, wholly suspected for five (5) years with conditions.

CASE 18 – FORMER MUNICIPAL WORKER SENTENCED FOR FRAUD

NORTHERN CAPE: Between January 2011 and December 2016, ghost workers were created at Sol Plaatjie Municipality in Kimberley. Various bank accounts which belonged to people not employed by the municipality were used by municipal officials to defraud the municipality.

An investigation was conducted by Hawks’ Commercial Crime Investigation members which uncovered that Beauty Kilelo (42) had captured and authorised suspicious salary payments. As a result, the municipality suffered a loss of R778 864.54. The accused was relieved of her duties after an internal investigation.

On 17 February 2023, Kilelo was sentenced by Kimberley Commercial Crimes Court to 16 years of imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years for fraud and money laundering. She was also ordered to repay R778 864.54 lost by the municipality. She was further sentenced to house arrest at the address to be determined by the Commissioner of Correctional Service and to 16 hours per month of community service. Crime does not pay.

CASE 19 – CHINESE NATIONALS SENTENCED FOR RHINO HORNS

MPUMALANGA: Between 2018 and 2019, Ping Wu (49) and her partner Eugene Huang were involved in illegal activities relating to rhino poaching in Mpumalanga. The duo were arrested in August 2019 by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in a project driven investigation addressing the rhino horn syndicate operating between Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces.

Ping Wu was charged on money laundering for depositing the proceeds of the rhino horns transaction into a casino account. She was sentenced in March 2022 by the Tembisa Regional Court. Huang died in prison before the conclusion of the trial. A forfeiture order was granted in March 2022 for the money paid to the agent, as well as money in the casino account and two vehicles.

On 20 January 2023, Shiuhau Chen (57) was found guilty on three counts of illegal dealing in rhino horns and contravening the Immigration Act when he appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court. He was sentenced on 4 April 2023 to R500 000.00 or five years imprisonment for dealing in rhino horns. His vehicle VW Tiguan valued to R400 000.00 was forfeited to the state. He was further sentenced to two years without option of fine for two counts of contravention of Immigration Act. The court also ordered that he must be deported to China after serving his sentence. Crime does not pay.

ARRESTS:

CASE 20 – SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM ESKOM

MPUMALANGA: In 2021, Eskom Tutuka Power Station issued an order to Umnandi Conference and Catering for the purchase and delivery of two containers. The company colluded with Zandile Rosemary Ngcobo (43) an Eskom employee, and invoiced Eskom an amount of R939 550.00 without purchasing and delivering of the containers. Payment was done.

Three Eskom officials Jessica Khubekha (61), Solomon Twala (59), and Nomsa Sibiya (49) were arrested by Standerton Detectives before the case was transferred to the Hawks for further investigation.

On 15 February 2023, Annemarie Stander (55) was arrested by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for fraud, theft and money laundering. Although it is not in the reporting period, Ncgobo was arrested on 10 May 2023. The duo have been granted R5000 bail each.

The case against all five (5) accused is postponed to 21 August 2023 at Middleburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for pre-trial conference.

CASE 21 – ILLEGAL MINING KINGPIN APPEARED IN COURT

LIMPOPO: On 22 February 2023, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation of Limpopo executed a warrant of arrest on a suspected illegal mining kingpin, Cheng Liang Tom (48) at Northam. He appeared the following day at Northam Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal mining activities in Northam area.

This arrest follows the one effected on 3 August 2022, where the Hawks arrested four suspected illegal miners, Tshepo Mokatile, Tebogo Moloi, Phephisile Mokhabela and Lerato Makoetjea, who were found in possession of chrome that was loaded in a truck without permit. The chrome was valued at R1.2 million. A thorough investigation was conducted and it was revealed that the chrome was destined for China where Tom was a buyer. The case is remanded to 12 July 2023 for pre-trial conference.

CASE 22 – ADDITIONAL ARREST IN THE R103 MILLION ABSA IT HEIST CASE

GAUTENG: Between the 22 September 2021 and 31 December 2021, Absa IT specialist Mr Xolela Masebeni allegedly siphoned R103 million from the bank. Xolela was arrested together with his wife Athembile Mpani and her mother.

On 16 January 2023, the Johannesburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team arrested Ayanda Windvoel who is attached to Pollsmoor correctional facility in the more than R100 million Absa fraud case. Windvoel was arrested when the trail of R250 000 that went to him was followed.

This arrest brings the total number of people charged in this case to nineteen (19) which include Nonelwa Nondlazi, Nolitha Constance Mpani, Khumbulani Elvis Ntombela, Gershom Matomane, Thandiwe Penelope Mphahlele, Simphiwe Msomi, Phaphamani Sichwe, Simphiwe Magobiyane, Sicelo Ndebele, Lindani Mtshali, Melusi Mtyhalela, Belinda Mtyhalela, Ayanda Windvoel, Hlomla Folman, Nontobeko Benmazwi, Thembelihle Racaza, Thozamisa Benmazwi as well as Maduna Gebevu Trading Services.

Masebeni was killed at Ezibeleni in February 2022. The case is postponed to 28 June 2023 at Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for disclosure.

CASE 23 – TEN (10) ACCUSED SET FOR PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE

FREE STATE: During November and December 2021, Kelebogile Tlhatlosi (27) and Gotshwanetse Mmoniemang Adora (37) who are the former employees of Standard Bank were working together with Michael Sayers (53), Ashley Michael Youngman (35), Brian Odora (36), Ellen Mahlulo (46), Thokiso Marvin Mosikili (35), Sthembiso Gerald Hleza (32), Siyabonga Ngwenya (42) and Boleba Albinis Lesale (35) when they fraudulently accessed bank account of three clients of Standard Bank. Several transfers were then made from the three victims’ account without their knowledge.

As a result, Standard Bank was prejudiced and suffered a loss of R26 181 000.00 of which R7 726 863.03 was recovered. A case was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of Bloemfontein for further investigation. The first seven accused were arrested between December 2021 and October 2022 and were later granted bail ranging from R500 to R10 000.

On 16 February 2023, Sayers and Youngman handed themselves to the Hawks in Bloemfontein. They briefly appeared at Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on charges of fraud where they were granted R10 000-00 bail each.

On 02 March 2023, the Asset Forfeiture Investigation Section of the Hawks working with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the NPA obtained a Preservation Order to the value of R703 600.00 cash and a Mercedes Benz CLA Sport vehicle.

Ngwenya was arrested on 29 May 2023, which is outside the reporting period.

The case against all ten (10) accused is postponed to 13 July 2023 at Free State High Court, sitting at Bloemfontein for pre-trial conference.

CASE 24 – BUSINESSWOMAN IN COURT FOR R17 MILLION TAX FRAUD

PRETORIA: A businesswoman, Mahlaku Jacqueline Legoabe (52) appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 1 March 2023 where she was released on R10 000 bail. Legoabe was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Investigation team. This follows an extensive investigation into allegations of fraud, alternatively contravention of the Tax Administration Act.

It is alleged that between March 2015 and February 2019, the accused failed to submit income tax returns in relation to her business entity, Titan E-Services where she is the sole director. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) suffered an actual loss surpassing R17 million. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) is applying for a preservation order of assets belonging to Legoabe. The case is remanded to 14 July 2023.

CASE 25 – HOD FOR FINANCE IN COURT FOR R15 MILLION TENDER

NORTH WEST: Between July 2011 and August 2011, the Department of Finance appointed a firm of attorneys to conduct disciplinary proceedings on three senior officials. The Acting Head of the Department of Finance in the North West province, who was the accounting officer at the time, allegedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). by approving a request for deviation from the competitive bidding process and expanded the scope of services required. He allegedly further disregarded a cheaper quotation and failed to take appropriate steps to prevent the unauthorised, irregular and wasteful expenditure to the tune of R15 459 380.18.

On 28 March 2023, Geo Paul (61) who is a former Acting Head of Department, was arrested and appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on two counts of contravention of the PFMA.

The matter is postponed to 21 August 2023 for the outcome of representation.

CASE 26 – MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND DIRECTOR ON CORRUPTION

WESTERN CAPE: Between November 2011 and September 2017, JVR Construction CC owned by Jonathan Van Rooy (54) was contracted by the City of Cape Town to perform construction on maintenance of roads in and around Cape Town.

It is alleged that Van Rooy paid Brett Lucas (47), and Koos Johannes Muller (52) attached to the Water and Sanitation Division within the City of Cape Town in order for them to fast track tender process. Forensic and financial investigation revealed that there were invoices that were backdated in order to facilitate payments to JVR CC for services rendered. The potential loss amounts to approximately R46 million.

In February 2023, three (3) persons, Lucas, Van Rooy, Muller and a juristic person, JVR Construction CC were arrested by Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members based in Cape Town for fraud and corruption. The accused appeared in court and were released on bail.

The matter is postponed to the 17 July 2023 at the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court for further particulars.

CASE 27 – SIXTEEN (16) SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR SASSA FRAUD

WESTERN CAPE: Individuals from Eastern Cape and Western Cape submitted fraudulent medical documents to apply for disability grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices in Malmesbury. They were assisted by suspect within and outside SASSA. SASSA suffered a loss of more than R1.8 million due to these fraudulent payments of grants. A case was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in April 2022.

Between the 13 and 14 February 2023, fifteen (15) suspects, Thandiswa Kula, Lekau Andries Nkosi, Sincedise Khimbili, Thembisa Bomela, Wilmarie Angela Flink, Cynthia Mntlaka, Alicia Nosethu Sedumo, Notheko Goloza, Mkhululi Manzezulu, Mziyanda Swartbooi, Mpumezi Smallpox, Lebeta Thokozile, Linda Mbotyu, Zukiswa Ntshontsho, and Nomandiyephi Nkanji were arrested and released on R1000 bail at court. Patricia Smallpox was arrested and appeared at Malmesbury Magistrate Court on the 13 April 2023 where she was released on R50 000-00 bail.

The case is postponed to the 14 August 2023 for further Investigation.

CASE 28 – THE CFO OF LEPELLE NKUMPI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION

LIMPOPO: It is alleged that a business person applied for a tender that was advertised by the Municipality to provide road construction machines. Whilst waiting for the announcement of the winner of the tender, he received a meeting request from Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to discuss the tender that he had applied for. In the meeting, the official told the business person that the company got the tender but he had to pay R30 000-00.

The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members based in Polokwane, and subsequently an undercover operation was conducted. The transaction took place in her vehicle near a restaurant in Polokwane.

During the weekend of 21 January 2023, the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members arrested Khomotso Mankga (33) in Polokwane for alleged tender corruption. Although she attempted to flee when she saw the Hawks, her attempt was futile as she was chased, cornered and arrested before she could disappear in the streets of Polokwane. The undue gratification that she received as well as the vehicle that was used during the commission of the alleged offence were confiscated. Sabilone Mpofela who is the Head of Technical Services and councillor was also arrested.

The accused appeared at court and were granted bail of R10 00-00 each. The case is postponed to 31 July 2023 for further investigation.

CASE 29 – FIVE ARRESTED OVER R30 MILLION ILLICIT CIGARETTES

LIMPOPO: On 25 February 2023, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Limpopo received a tip off about illicit cigarettes that were kept at a farm between Musina and Beitbridge Port of Entry waiting to be transported to different destinations in the country.

A multi-disciplinary sting operation by the Hawks, SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and SARS was immediately conducted.

When the team arrived at the identified farm, they found a truck and a tractor with trailer loaded with suspected illicit cigarettes that were covered with bricks pallets. A preliminary investigation led to the discovery of a van and another truck in the vicinity that were also fully loaded with suspected illicit cigarettes. The value of the seized illicit cigarettes is over R30 million. Five suspects Emmanuel Mphephu, Moses Matembudze, Asiothe Rambuwani, Phumudzo Rambuwani and Gibson Mataka were arrested for contravening the Customs and Excise Act and appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s court where they were granted R5000 bail each except Gibson Mataka and Moses Matembudze. The case is postponed to 27 June 2023 for plea.

CASE 30 – THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING

KWAZULU-NATAL: In January 2023, a 25 years old victim from Botswana came to buy a motor vehicle that was advertised online. He was picked up by an e-hailing vehicle from Durban Station to an unknown location where he was held against his will. The suspects drove around withdrawing cash from the victim’s bank account. They then phoned his family in Botswana and demanded more cash. The Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information about the incident and swiftly conducted an operation.

On Thursday, 26 January 2023, suspects were intercepted by the Hawks in police action and three suspects, Abuyile Mhlahlo (28), Mxolisi Mgenge (32) and Nhlakanipho Ngobese (22) were arrested for kidnapping. The victim was rescued unharmed. The accused appeared in court and two of them were granted bail and one is still in custody. The case is postponed to 29 June 2023 in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

CASE 31 – TWO MORE SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY FOR R400 MILLION COCAINE

WESTERN CAPE: On 4 August 2022, an operation was conducted by the Hawks assisted by Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG) and Western Cape Traffic officials on the N1 highway where a truck was intercepted. Cocaine worth more than R400 million was recovered in the false compartment of the wooden boards. Ebrahim Kara (39), Meshack Mzungezi Ngobese (47) and Elias Radebe (42) were arrested. They were charged for dealing in drugs and they have been in custody since their arrest. They appeared in the Khayelitsha Regional Court on 17 February 2023.

In addition to the three accused persons, on 13 February 2023, the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) assisted by Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG) executed warrants of arrest on Ebrahim Felix (45) and Margerman Stanley (43). The case against all five accused is now remanded to 19 June 2023 for plea-trial conference.

CASE 32 – SUSPECT CHARGED FOR FRAUDULENT QUALIFICATIONS

KWAZULU-NATAL: On 13 February 2023, the Hawks members from Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation arrested Mlekeleli Masondo (40) for two counts of fraud which happened at the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal. It is alleged that the suspect applied for a Project Manager’s post in 2010 and submitted fraudulent qualifications. He was employed and in 2019, he further applied for a Deputy Director’s post and he was appointed to that post.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) conducted qualification verification and the suspect failed to submit the original documents as requested. It was discovered that his qualifications were fraudulent and disciplinary steps were instituted against him. The Office of the Premier was defrauded R 3 720 422 and a case of fraud was reported at Pietermaritzburg police station. The case docket was allocated to Hawks members for further investigation hence he was charged on 13 February 2023. He appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on 16 March 2023. The case is postponed to 29 June 2023 for further particulars.

In conclusion,

The DPCI shall continue to execute its work without fear, favour or prejudice as the law dictates.

I THANK YOU

Source: South African Police Service