Category: Crime & Corruption News

A 35-year-old man from Gusi Administrative area, outside Elliotdale, has been arrested in connection with a woman who was reported missing at the beginning of June 2021.

It is alleged that the woman went missing while she visited her boyfriend in Elliotdale and never returned home.

A thorough investigation by detectives led to the arrest of her boyfriend for murdering her in June 2021.

The suspect pointed out the scene of the crime where the deceased’s remains were found. He was immediately arrested and charged for murder.

Captain Siphokazi Mawiza confirmed the suspect will appear in court tomorrow.

“The details of the case are quite sensitive, the names of the perpetrator and victim can only be released after the suspect stands in front of a magistrate tomorrow,” Mawiza said.

District Commissioner Brigadier Ngangema XXakavu said the police will continue to fight the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that perpetrators are behind bars and face the full might of law.”

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) efforts to repatriate corrupt-Gupta family members have received a major shot in the arm after Interpol issued red notices against two implicated brothers, their wives and other associates.

The brothers – Atul and Rajesh Gupta– and their respective wives, Chetali and Arti are among those accused of fleecing the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of R25 million for a supposed feasibility study.

They are accused alongside Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd; Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd.

On Monday, the Bloemfontein Regional Court postponed the criminal case relating to the R25 million Nulane Investment case. The matter will be transferred to the Bloemfontein High Court on 6 September 2021 for trial.

In a statement, the NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID) said the matter was postponed in the absence of the accused, as agreed between itself and the defense. This was in the wake of the COVID-19 Adjusted Alert Level 4 lockdown regulations.

“Warrants against the accused out on bail will be issued yet stayed until the next appearance. Iqbal Sharma on the other hand will continue to be incarcerated as he was not granted bail last month,” ID spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka said.

Former Transnet Board member Iqbal Sharma, Nulane Investment employee Dinesh Patel, former Free State head of Department for Rural Development (FSDoRD), Peter Thabethe; former head of FSDoA, Limakatso Moorosi; and former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer, Seipati Dhlamini face charges of fraud and money laundering. The former government officials are also charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

The case relates to procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, paid between November 2011 and April 2012 by the FSDoA to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD, a company owned and controlled by Sharma.

“From there the funds were diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd (Islandsite), a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family. The R24.9m was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work. The group is charged together with three companies, Nulane Investment 204 (Pty) Ltd, Wone Management (PTY) LTD, Pragat Investment (Pty) LTD, Islandsite Investments Pty Ltd,” reads the statement.

ID head, Advocate Hermione Cronje, in the statement confirmed efforts to bring the Guptas back had intensified.

The docket has been disclosed to the six accused to aid them in preparation for trial.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has condemned the murder of a new-born baby allegedly at the hands of the mother.

The incident happened at Malamulele in Vhembe District, Limpopo, where a 30-year-old mother allegedly beat her new-born baby to death.

According to the reports, the mother of the baby was either not aware of, or did not acknowledge that she was pregnant, shortly before she gave birth in the toilet at a local Kunjani Clinic.

Having given birth, it is alleged that the mother proceeded to assault the newly born baby who subsequently succumbed to the injuries at a later stage. It is reported that the woman has since been placed under arrest.

CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said while the Commission is yet to be fully informed to understand the circumstances that could have led to such a gruesome occurrence, it is aware that a variety of tragic personal circumstances often play a critical role in events of this nature, including possible lack of adequate social and emotional support services for the perpetrators of such violence.

“Nonetheless, the brutal assault and killing of a newly born and defenceless baby by a mother is not only shocking but also reprehensive and unjustifiable. It is unfortunate that this case is just one among many more in a huge number of cases of violence directed at children in South Africa,” Baloyi said.

In the wake of such incidents, Baloyi said it is only appropriate to encourage South Africans in their families, local communities and within the country as a whole to take stock of the violent nature of the country, and therefore seek ways to deal with its underlying social, economic, emotional and psychological causes.

“More importantly though, greater education and knowledge around sexual and reproduction health including family support and other relevant services could have played an important role to obviate the infanticide that occurred in this instance,” Baloyi said.

He added that while the Commission expects that the law will take its course in what has so tragically happened in Malamulele, they also encourage that local social support and welfare services, including appropriate information relating to sexual health and reproductive care services are made available and within reach by all those who need them, “to avoid incidents of this nature recurring in local communities across the country, as is so often the case”.

Mhlathuze Water has urged members of the public to be cautious of unscrupulous people approaching them with offers of job placements and opportunities to secure tenders within the organisation in exchange for cash.

The warning comes after Mhlathuze Water received complaints from individuals and companies who have received calls from people claiming to be from the water utility’s Human Resources and Supply Chain Management Departments respectively.

Mhlathuze Water spokesperson, Siyabonga Maphumulo, said one victim, who has already parted with R2000 which was deposited into the scammers account, said an anonymous caller had promised them a position that had been advertised by Mhlathuze Water.

The victim alleges the scammer also coaxed her into referring him to other job seekers who were willing to pay in return for bogus placements within the organisation.

“In the second instance, Mhlathuze Water was alerted by companies and contractors who had received calls from people purporting to be from its Supply Chain Management Unit asking that the contractors verify their central supplier database registration numbers and pay a sum of money in exchange for guaranteed contracts at Mhlathuze Water,” Maphumulo said.

Maphumulo warned job seekers and contractors to refrain from entertaining people who request cash for jobs and services, this is not a prerequisite to get a job or contractor opportunities within Mhlathuze Water.

“Mhlathuze Water has strict recruitment and acquisition policies which forbid the acceptance of cash for jobs or contracts. All our vacancies and tenders are advertised on our website, social media platforms and mainstream media.”

Members of the public can make enquiries with Mhlathuze Water by calling 035 902 1000 or email communication@mhlathuze.co.za with regards to the status of any advertised job opening or tender.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Service (PES) Branch has warned members of the public about the so-called National Youth Service learner-ship scam doing rounds on social media.

The scam promises job-seekers a stipend of R5 000 per month and job-seekers are asked to forward their CVs to the department.

The Department’s PES Chief Director of Employment Services, Esther Tloane, said that the Branch knows nothing about the learnership.

Tloane indicated that prospective job seekers should be wary of being asked to make any payments for services rendered as the department does not operate that way.

“The PES Branch exists to assist companies and workers to adjust to changing labour market conditions,” Tloane said.

Tloane said that the department uses its online job-matching platform called the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) which job seekers register their CVs on, while employers place job opportunities for matching purposes.

Members of the public are advised to report illegal activities on the department’s Fraud line on: 0860 022 194/fraud@labour.gov.za

Three former senior West Rand District Municipality officials are this morning expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for allegedly illegally making deposits to the now defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

The suspects are a 60 year-old West Rand district municipal manager, the council’s 37 year-old former chief financial officer and Merafong municipality’s 34 year-old acting municipal manager, who was income and expenditure manager in the West Rand when the transactions occurred.

The suspects were on Monday arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation at several locations in Gauteng.

In a statement, the Hawks said the arrests were based on the ongoing investigation of maladministration and corruption in the looting of the VBS Mutual Bank.

“The allegations … relate to investments into VBS Mutual Bank made by municipalities. The investments made by the municipalities into VBS are reported to have been done in contravention of the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act by investing municipal funds with a mutual bank,” said Colonel Katlego Mogale, Hawks spokesperson.

During the arrests, a search and seizure operation was also conducted in order to confiscate IT equipment which could contain pertinent documentation and/or articles relating to the investigation.

National Hawks Head Lt Gen Godfrey Lebeya has previously indicated that following the arrests and securing of court attendance of the main players in the VBS investigation, arrests within municipalities will follow.

A total number of 20 municipalities deposited an amount of R3.7 billion – the amount repaid totals R2.2 billion while the amount lost/unpaid amounts to R1.5 billion.

Some of the lost funds amounting to R67 million were allegedly paid as brokerage commissions to entities and/or individuals to attract more deposits mainly from municipalities.

A nationwide investigation has revealed that VBS employees, municipal executives and other officials allegedly received gratifications for the investments made.

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has called on the police to urgently track down a man who allegedly locked his girlfriend in a shack and set it alight in Ixobho, southern KwaZulu-Natal.

According to reports, the man allegedly set alight the shack he was staying in with his girlfriend in Fairview informal settlement, after the couple had an altercation.

The woman was rescued by neighbours who heard her screams inside the burning shack.

The victim was rushed to hospital with serious burn injuries on her body and unfortunately all attempts by medical practitioners to save the victim’s life failed and she succumbed to her injuries.

The alleged perpetrator is still at large.

Khoza has condemned the incident and urged the police to work day and night to ensure that the alleged perpetrator involved in this horrible murder is found, so that he can face the law.

“He killed a human being in such a horrible manner and he should never be let off the hook,” Khoza said in a statement on Monday.

The MEC also called on the public to work closely with the police to trace the whereabouts of the alleged perpetrator, warning that “no one should relax while the province is faced by high incidents of gender-based violence (GBV)”.

“Our communities should work with the department to isolate all those involved in GBV. We cannot sit on our laurels while women and children suffer in the hands of criminals who once claimed they loved them,” Khoza said.

She added that GBV incidents are highly unacceptable and embarrassing to the nation, and such incidents have a negative impact on the gains of democracy in the province.

“Currently, we are responding to many cases of women and children murders in the province. This indicates that our people have lost Ubuntu.

“The other incident that happened in KwaNongoma where a pensioner and her grandchild were stabbed to death by criminals who wanted to rob them of grant money is very concerning. We have full confidence in our police that they will soon track down the perpetrator so that the law would take its course” the MEC said.

Khoza has sent her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the victim.

“We know the pain the family is going through right now. We wish them strength during this difficult time.”

Perpetrators of heinous apartheid era atrocities that came to light in late 90s’ Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will soon have to face the full might of the law.

At the weekend, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) confirmed that these cases would be revived.

The former has established dedicated capacity to ensure that those who are responsible for the crimes be held accountable in a fair and transparent process.

“To ensure that justice is delivered, and to bolster the NPA’s capacity to prosecute these TRC cases, the NDPP transferred the cases to the relevant Directors of Prosecutions (DPP) in the regions where the crimes were committed, with support from a National Office capacity.

“This approach increased the number of experienced prosecutors available to handle these complex cases.”

In the past 12 months, the number of cases has increased from 4 to 53.

The move comes after last week’s judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in the Rodrigues matter. A full bench of the SCA dismissed an application of stay of prosecution, citing a delay before the accused was indicted.

The NPA and Hawks in a joint statement said the SCA ruling was important.

An earlier Joburg High Court judgment directed the National Director of Public Prosecutions to enquire into improper influence brought to bear on the NPA.

“This is a complex and complicated matter and the NDPP has been engaging with the Minister of Justice to determine the most effective course of action,” they said.

“The judgment is an important step towards honouring those who gave their lives for our constitutional democracy.

“It aligns with both the Hawks and NPA’s commitment to end impunity as it enables the NPA to move ahead to prosecute Rodrigues and other perpetrators of apartheid era crimes where there is sufficient evidence, and where prosecutions have not taken place, for various reasons.”

This judgment, reads the statement, bolsters the NPA’s determination under the current NDPP, Adv Shamila Batohi and unwavering commitment of National Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, to revive these investigations and initiate prosecutions.

The two agencies said South Africans in general, and families of victims in particular, need to understand why these crimes were not prosecuted in the past.

“This will also provide important lessons regarding the need to ensure a robust framework to protect the independence of the NPA.

“The NPA acknowledges that the unmerited delay of prosecutions of these cases amounts to the denial of justice to the victims of apartheid era atrocities.

“The NPA, as lawyers for the people and defenders of those who suffered from injustice, has established dedicated capacity to ensure that those who are responsible for atrocities can be held accountable in a fair and transparent process.”

To bolster the NPA’s capacity to prosecute the TRC cases, the NDPP transferred the cases to the relevant Directors of Prosecutions (DPP) in the regions where the crimes were committed, with support from a National Office capacity.

The two agencies have adopted a TRC investigation strategy that will see the creation of a dedicated and sustainable capacity to investigate and prosecute the crimes.

The NPA is in the process of setting up a specialist unit to deal exclusively with these matters, and will be appointing former experienced prosecutors in offices which require additional capacity. A dedicated national office capacity will provide specialised advice, coordination, and monitoring and support

In April, the Hawks appointed 34-members; competent and highly skilled former police detectives to probe these matters.

The investigations will be conducted on a fulltime basis by the team.

“Our collective efforts are starting to pay off and a further 59 cases have been identified,” they said.

“The inquests into the deaths in detention of Neil Aggett and Ernest Dipale, which were reopened have reached an advanced stage. The NPA has also obtained Ministerial approval to open another inquest. Moreover, work is being done on other matters which would enable consideration for those cases to be reopened as well,” reads the statement.

Cases under consideration all date back to the early 1960s.

The agencies, however, acknowledge that challenges posed to the investigations cannot be underestimated.

“The work to investigation, without fear, favour or prejudice on all other remaining cases is continuing. The capacity of the team will be enhanced as the need arises. The DPCI shall have built sufficient capacity to carry out any processes that may be left pending,” said General Lebeya.

Despite these challenges, the two said they would remain focused to ensuring accountability for the crimes.

“The victims deserve nothing less,” he said.

Batohi said: “Time is not on our side. We have a small window to address this; loved ones need to see justice being done; and justice will not be served until we act decisively against those that the NPA was once powerless to hold to account.”

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has raised concern over continuous incidents of abuse of older people in communities.

This follows the rescue of an elderly person who was found locked in the house without food in Lindelani, north of Durban.

It is alleged that a terrified passer-by heard screams and cries of an elderly person pleading for help coming from a house.

Upon investigating the locked house, people noticed an old person identified as Sizakele Siziba, aged 76, sleeping on the bed.

It is alleged that Siziba, who resided with her grandchild, was left alone in a terrible condition, and at times she relied on neighbours to provide her food.

Khoza said the department is not expecting that senior citizens suffer such abuse from their own children.

“It is disheartening that we find ourselves in this situation because we always encourage people to inform us if they are unable to take care of senior citizens,” Khoza said.

Khoza dispatched a team of social, who immediately removed Siziba to an old age home. She said Siziba will be provided with the necessary psychosocial support, including debriefing and trauma counselling.

“Although social workers are still going to conduct an investigation, based on what was shared with us by the public, including the video circulating on social media, our team has removed Gogo Siziba to a safer and more comfortable environment.

“However, removing her is not good enough. We also want to know who has been using her old age grant. These grants are an intervention to cushion old persons from poverty. It is a crime for anyone to take the pension of an older person and fail to provide food for them,” the MEC said.

She also warned that if anyone found to have been taking the pension of the old person, and using it for themselves, they need to be arrested.

“We will open a criminal case against the person while ensuring that this grandmother gets a new South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) card to collect her grant,” Khoza said.

The MEC said the department shares the pain of old persons who suffer in the hands of those who are supposed to protect them.

“We will continue to give them our unwavering support, while ensuring removal of those found in unpleasant situations and place them at old age homes to ensure their welfare, healthcare and safety.

The MEC emphasised that the department is a custodian for the protection of vulnerable groups, and will work closely with the police to ensure that any person who violates the rights of children, older persons and persons with disabilities, gets arrested.

“Indeed, one cannot pass judgement on the situation of the old person rescued from the Lindelani house, but nothing can ever justify leaving her in a locked house without anything to eat, while government pays her grant on a monthly basis,” Khoza said.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has urged people involved in illegal mining in KwaHlathi, near Ladysmith, to immediately leave the site, warning that people found there on Thursday will face the full might of the law.

The call follows a report on the outcomes of investigations by a team of experts from the Geoscience Council, which revealed that the stones discovered in KwaHlathi are not diamonds but quartz crystals.

During its ordinary sitting on Wednesday, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council expressed its concerns about reports that illegal mining is still continuing in the area.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, who was chairing the meeting, said the Executive Council expressed its concerns that the crowds in KwaHlathi are in violation of the country’s mining laws and flouting COVID-19 regulations.

The Executive Council also expressed its concerns at the recent steep rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the UThukela District, probably due to the influx of people into the area.

“Government is also concerned that school children are spending time at the illegal mine instead of being at school. There is concern over the long-term environmental degradation, which may lead to flooding in future.

“The provincial government appeals to everyone still involved in illegal mining in KwaHlathi to vacate the site today [Wednesday]. From tomorrow, law enforcement will kick in and whoever remains will face the full might of the law,” Zikalala said.

He said the site will remain cordoned off and inaccessible to members of the public and without permission.

The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to work even harder to respond to the service delivery needs of KwaHlathi citizens.

The community of KwaHlathi has raised concerns regarding water, roads and other key service delivery needs.

Zikalala said the provincial government plans to visit the area in two weeks’ time to attend to the service delivery needs already identified, and to investigate further economic activities that may be undertaken in the area.