Police have arrested four more suspects in a R9.3 million land claim fraud investigation, bringing the total arrests to 12 in a case involving senior government officials who allegedly diverted funds meant for legitimate land claim beneficiaries.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said that a senior official from the East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs allegedly colluded with her relatives to approve fraudulent claims and submit them unlawfully in the department.
The suspects reportedly tampered with land claim documents, replacing legitimate beneficiaries with their own relatives and even a domestic worker.
“Hawks’ investigation revealed a senior official reportedly unlawfully edited land claims, altering beneficiary banking details, then put those of her relatives and domestic worker, and made payments to relatives,” Mhlakuvana said.
“Further investigations divulged that several payments were made to the relatives rather than to the lawful beneficiaries, thus prejudicing the Department of Land Affairs’ cash to the value of more than R9.3 million.”
The latest arrests follow previous detentions of eight suspects in 2024, some of whom were released on bail amounts ranging from R10,000 to R30,000.
A warrant of arrest was executed on March 14, and the accused are set to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on March 17.
Provincial head of the Hawks Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya praised the investigation team for apprehending the suspects and ensuring they face justice.
The Hawks continue their probe, with the possibility of further arrests.
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