Hawks arrest three suspects in Sekhukhune tender fraud

Hawks arrest three suspects in Sekhukhune tender fraud

Three suspects believed to be involved in the R5.4 million tender fraud in the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo have been arrested by the Hawks. The takedown operation was conducted in Groblersdal on Thursday with one more suspect are still on the run.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo says efforts are underway to locate another outstanding suspect.

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Hawks’ Limpopo spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke says they received a complaint in 2018. This is after the Sekhukhune District Municipality awarded tenders worth over R5 million to different companies to provide security services.

It is further alleged that the former municipal Chief Financial Officer and Senior Administration Officer connived with other companies who never rendered any service to deposit money into their accounts. The money was later shared among themselves. As a result, the companies that rendered the services did not receive their payments.

Maluleke says among the suspects are former and current employees of the Sekhukhune District municipality.

The takedown has resulted in the arrest of the former municipal official, Andries Mokgotho and two service providers, Bongani Masupye and Shivhadana Murovhi.

During the take-down operation, the Senior Administration Officer was not found but she handed herself to the Hawks on Friday. The former CFO is still on the run but he is being traced.

Mokgotho, Masopye and Murovhi who were arrested yesterday already appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They are facing fraud and theft charges and they were remanded in custody until 4 October 2023 for formal bail application.

The Senior Administration Officer will make her first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 October 2023.

HAWKS MAKE BREAKTHROUGH IN SEKHUKHUNE MUNICIPALITY TENDER FRAUD

He says they are also investigating other fraud and corruption cases reported at the same municipality.

“There are other cases of fraud and corruption that we are still investigating. So as we are busy with the investigation, we believe that soon we will receive the warrant of arrest against the suspects and we are going to plan another takedown operation,” he said. 

Four Cash-in-transit robbers killed during a shootout in Hoedspruit

Four Cash-in-transit robbers killed during a shootout in Hoedspruit

A shootout between cash-in-transit robbers and Hoedspruit Farmwatch in Limpopo has resulted in four robbers killed on Wednesday. Three more suspects have since been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, 20 September at about 16:00 the G4S armoured vehicle together with its escort vehicle were driving near Hoedspruit. They were suddenly ambushed by the suspected armed robbers who were driving in three vehicles.

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The suspected robbers allegedly started shooting at the escort vehicle until it came to a standstill. They disarmed the guards [Driver and crew] of their official rifle and pistol.

Unfortunately the two guards were shot at and sustained injuries that resulted in the death of the driver.

It is further alleged that the armed robbers pursued the armoured vehicle while shooting at it until it stopped. The driver of the armoured vehicle and his crew were allegedly ordered to disembark the vehicle, disarmed of two firearms and chased into the nearby bushes.

The suspects allegedly used the explosives to blast the armoured vehicle and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. The Hoedspruit Farmwatch was activated and spotted the suspects’ vehicles driving towards Hoedspruit.

ROBBERS OF CASH-IN-TRANSIT IN HOEDSPRUIT KILLED

In an attempt to stop the suspects’ vehicles, they put the obstacles on the road that forced their vehicles to stop. It is further reported that the suspects started shooting at members of Hoedspruit Farmwatch who in self-defence retaliated.

During the shootout, four suspects were killed and one was injured and arrested on the spot. The other suspects ran into the nearby bushes and vanished.

In the early hours of Thursday, 21 September, fleeing suspects were traced with the assistance of the Hoedspruit Farmwatch dogs and chopper until they were caught in a taxi that was travelling to Acornhoek and arrested. The two injured suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen money.

The three injured suspects are under police guard in hospital and they will make their first court appearance soon. The Hawks are still searching for the outstanding suspects.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects can contact Colonel Motle on 079 886 6618 or contact the nearest police station.

Goods worth over R 5 million seized in Musina

Goods worth over R 5 million seized in Musina

Law enforcement authorities have seized counterfeit goods valued at over R5 million during an intelligence-driven operation conducted in Musina, Limpopo this week.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation members based in Musina received intelligence about illicit cigarette storage at a certain address. A sting operation was immediately conducted.

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The investigation led the team to a suspicious house in the area. When they arrived at the identified address, they found three vehicles. A Toyota Quantum, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Bakkie parked inside the yard.

The Toyota Quantum was searched and the team found 29 x Master cases of Chele Chele illicit cigarettes. 6 x loose packets of Chele Chele illicit cigarettes and 6 x cartoons of Royal Express illicit cigarettes and seized them.

Goods worth over R 5 million seized in Musina
R 5 million seized in Musina

Further investigation led to the seizure of more illicit cigarettes (100 x Master cases of Royal Express, 24 x cartoons of Royal Express, 3 x loose packets of Remington Gold, 56 x Master Remington Gold, 9 x cartoons of Gold, 8 x loose packets of Chele Chele illicit cigarettes and 15X Master cases of Chele Chele illicit cigarettes) that were found hidden in the storeroom and in the yard.

GOODS WORTH R5 MILLION SEIZED IN MUSINA

Through proper observation, counterfeit clothing and traditional material were found hidden inside the Toyota Corolla and they were also seized.

The estimated value of the seized illicit cigarettes and the vehicles is over R5 million. The value of counterfeit clothing and traditional material is still going to be determined by the ongoing investigation. 

False prophet arrested for swindling Limpopo Woman R3.7 million

False prophet arrested for swindling Limpopo Woman R3.7 million

A 33-year-old suspected false prophet is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today, 13 June 2023 for swindling a Limpopo Woman R3.7 million.

It is reported that in September 2022, the victim who was a police Colonel in Limpopo Province was dating a foreign national (boyfriend). He introduced the victim to the suspect as his uncle who also masqueraded as a prophet.

ALSO READ: Rising Cash-in-transit heists a big worry for Limpopo

The duo [boyfriend and uncle] allegedly persuaded the victim to resign so that they can start a flourishing business. The victim indeed resigned in November last year and when she received her pension payout of R3.7 million in February this year, she allegedly handed it to the suspect so that he could pray for a successful booming business.

False prophet arrested for swindling a Limpopo Woman R3.7 million
Police Officer

The victim was allegedly sent on a holiday for a few days by her boyfriend. When returned to the boyfriend’s apartment to check the progress, she unfortunately found that he had already vacated.

FALSE PROPHET ARRESTED

The victim tried to reach the boyfriend on the phone but he was unreachable. That’s when she realised that she was scammed and reported the matter to the Police.

The Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Investigation members were entrusted with the investigation of the case. After conducting a thorough investigation, the suspect was successfully traced and arrested at Burgersfort police station. He was detained for allegedly committing a similar offence.

The search for other outstanding suspects is continuing.

Hawks arrest Polokwane bogus medical doctor

Hawks arrest Polokwane bogus medical doctor

A 42-year-old bogus medical doctor based in Polokwane, Limpopo will appear in court on Thursday, 8 June following his arrest by the Hawks on Wednesday. He was arrested for alleged fraud.

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The Hawks team received information from the Health Professions Council of South Africa about someone who was allegedly practicing as a Medical Doctor without a license in Polokwane, Capricorn District.

The team tactically visited the surgery and found the suspect treating patients as if allowed by the law. After failing to produce the license to practice as a medical doctor, the suspect was placed under arrest. The Zimbabwean national, Taurai Chihoho was found practicing as a dentist at a medical facility owned by Dr RD Matlhatse. Dr Matlhatse is a registered medical practitioner. Chihoho has been practising since September 2022 at the facility.

In a statement, the Council says Chihoho was arrested by the Hawks this week. 

“A joint operation conducted by the HPCSA and the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation resulted in the arrest of a bogus practitioner for practicing illegally whilst not registered with Council,” they say.  

“This latest breakthrough is a result of continuous efforts to eradicate bogus and unregistered practitioners in the country.” 

“Chihoho was arrested for Contravening Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 and he was detained by the Polokwane SAPS and is due to appear at the Polokwane Magistrate Court on soon,” sathe HPCSA.  

Hawks arrest Polokwane bogus medical doctor
Suspicious Doctor

BOGUS MEDICAL DOCTOR NABBED BY HAWKS

He is set to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. 

Ex Chiefs official Tshakoane appears in court for R 100 million scheme

Ex Chiefs official Tshakoane appears in court for R 100 million scheme

Former Kaizer Chiefs PRO Louis Tshakoane (74), his wife Suzan Tshakoane (59) his son Louis Tshakoane junior (34) appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday. Tshakoane was arrested during the funeral service of Mamelodi Sundowns communications officer, Alex “Goldfingers” Shakoane.

‘He was arrested on charges of fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act. This follows an execution of a warrant of arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Johannesburg in relation to an ongoing investigation into an unregistered investment scheme.

Former Kaizer Chiefs PRO Louis Tshakoane at the Funeral of Alex “Goldfingers” Shakoane.

Also read: Chippa humble Kaizer Chiefs in Durban

The accused are alleged to have benefitted from the proceeds of the unregistered investment company known as Undercover Billionaires. He is reported to have participated in the presentations aimed at enticing potential investors with a promise of high returns.

LOUIS TSHAKOANE APPEARS IN COURT

The amount of investments tendered is approximately R100 million. Louis Tshakoane junior, 34 years old was also arrested in a residence at Kempton Park. His first arrest was in 2019 where he was granted bail of R70 000. The accused then made a series of appearances but later absconded. His arrest was also a result of a bench warrant for which he forfeited his bail.

The trio will also appear again in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 23 May for a formal bail application.

Hawks seek public assistance to identify armed robbers

Hawks seek public assistance to identify armed robbers

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Hawks is seeking public assistance to identify suspected armed robbers in the attached pictures.

On 2 May 2023 at about 11:45, G4S security guards were collecting money from Global filling station at the Big Boy shopping complex in Ga-Masemola, Limpopo when they were allegedly ambushed by three unknown men who were armed with firearms.

Hawks seek public assistance to identify armed robbers

HAWKS SEEK ASSISTANCE TO FIND ARMED ROBBERS  

It is further alleged that the suspects pointed the gun at the crew with firearms. They took the money bag with an undisclosed cash amount from the security guards before fleeing the scene. The suspects were allegedly using a grey Toyota Corolla as their gate-away vehicle.

Hawks seek public assistance to identify armed robbers

Also read: Limpopo Woman stabs her partner to death in Marble Hall

Anyone who can identify the suspects or knows their whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Makutu on 071 481 2461. Warrant Officer Mojapelo on 073 261 8784.  

Hawks arrest an alleged drug dealer in Musina 

Hawks arrest an alleged drug dealer in Musina 

A drug Dealer has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Musina. They teamed up with the Beitbridge Task team and K9 Unit.

The executed an intensive operation resulted in the successful arrest of a 50-year-old man for dealing in drugs on Thursday, 22 December 2022.

DRUG DEALER NABBED 

The suspected drug dealer was found inside his shop and he was issued with a search warrant. Upon conducting a preliminary search, fifty nine (59) sachets of the Crystal Meth estimated to the value of Twenty Thousand Rand (R20 000) as well as seven thousand and four Rand (R7104.00) cash were found.

The drugs and cash amount found were confiscated for further investigation. 

The suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs and he appeared in the Musina Magistrate court on 23 December 2022. The case against Tobias Anasiundu (50) was postponed to 30 December 2022 for further investigation.   

Former Home Affairs officials arrested for corruption in Tzaneen

Former Home Affairs officials arrested for corruption in Tzaneen

Four Tzaneen former Home Affairs officials in Limpopo aged between 35 and 43 have been arrested for alleged fraud and corruption.

They were arrested on Wednesday, 23 November 2022.

The suspects who were employed at Department of Home Affairs based in Tzaneen allegedly colluded with the runners to recruit South African citizens to apply for the passports.

It is further alleged that all the process of applying for a passport would be followed.

But when it comes to photoshoot, they would call the foreign nationals to the booth. As a result, the passports would contain the particulars of South African citizens. But the photos would be of illegal foreign nationals.

The Home Affairs Counter Corruption and Security unit discovered these illegal activities in May this year. They referred the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation.

During the investigations, it was revealed that the citizens whose particulars were used would be paid R 1000.

HOME AFFAIRS OFFICIALS ARRESTED

The suspects who were employed as Administration Clerks were arrested in Tzaneen area during a sting operation between the Hawks and Home Affairs Counter Corruption and Security members.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 25 November 2022.

The search for other outstanding suspects is still ongoing.

Burgersfort vehicle dealership fraudster appears in court

Burgersfort vehicle dealership fraudster appears in court

The alleged vehicle dealership fraudster Daniel Leonox Mkase (48) appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrate Court, Sekhukhune District Municipality on Tuesday. This follows his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.

In February 2019, the accused allegedly visited a vehicle dealership in Burgersfort. He then requested to be assisted with an application for vehicle finance on a Volkswagen Polo worth R245 560-32.

The application was approved by the Wesbank, and consequently delivered a vehicle to the accused.

VEHICLE DEALERSHIP FRAUDSTER TRICKS

After the accused missed his first two installments, the bank conducted its investigations which revealed that the documents provided to apply for vehicle finance were fraudulent.

A case of fraud was opened and referred to the Hawks for investigation. After conducting a thorough investigation, the accused was traced and arrested at his home in Burgersfort.

The accused was granted free bail and his case was postponed to 21 November 2022.