| 2020/08/30 |
Media Statement from Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) PRETORIA – Another suspect was arrested on Sunday by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation in Hammanskraal for alleged fraud and theft linked to the UIF COVID – 19 Temporary Employer and Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). These brings the number of people arrested linked to UIF TERS to fourteen (14). Some of the suspects are out on bail whilst the 62 year old Hammanskraal pensioner will be charged with fraud alternatively theft and money laundering. The 62 year old pensioner was arrested after he failed to disclose that he became an instant R4.7 millionaire, the money which was meant to remunerate employees of a certain company to be disclosed in court papers. It is understood the suspect worked for the same company and allegedly used the same reference number from his previous employer’s to apply for his UIF pay out. It was later found after numerous enquiries by the company that the money was actually paid but was redirected to the suspect’s account. A case was registered and almost R4.6 million has already been recovered. He allegedly used almost R100 000.00 on himself. He is expected to appear in the Pretoria Specialised commercial crime on Monday. Meanwhile, in a separate case, Sergeant Thokozane Mchunu (34), Sergeant Nqobile Witness Mzimela (39) and Sboniso Percical Khanyile (25) will also be appearing in the same court on Monday after they were arrested last week in Durban for alleged fraud and money laundering of R692 000 also linked to the same UIF COVID – 19 (TERS). National Adhesive applied for relief funds for their employees however it emerged that the company’s banking details were fraudulently changed and the R692 000 was redirected to another bank account. It was ultimately found that the account belonged to Mchunu from Durban Central Tactical Response Team. He allegedly transferred the money to Mzimela attached to Durban tacking Team and Khanyile. Almost R240 000.00 has already been frozen, a bakkie as well an open land were also seized and are expected to be forfeited to the state. The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya has hailed the arrest as another breakthrough by the team for speedily arresting and bringing suspects to court. This would not have been possible without a collective effort and the assistance of the National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Financial Intelligence Centre, Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the Intelligence community. Their unwavering determination is highly appreciated. "Pensioners are supposed to be role models to their children and grandchildren. Without suggesting the guilt on the suspect, the behaviour in this manner suggest a bad role model," said Lieutenant General Lebeya. Ends
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