These suspects were arrested by the Hawks on Sunday 27 November 2022 for allegedly defrauding the Department of Employment and Labour in 2020. 

The Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Bonnie Nxumalo, alleges that in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, three sole directors of different dormant entities applied for Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme funds from the Department of Employment and Labour for 47, 133 and 141 supposed employees.

She adds that the department paid funds to companies’ bank accounts and the funds were allegedly transferred to certain individuals for personal enrichment. Nxumalo says the department suffered a loss of more than R1.4 million.

“The Hawks investigated the matter and warrants of arrest were issued. The suspects - aged between 23 and 57 - were arrested in Gauteng and North West respectively during an operation by the team of Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit based in North West. 

The Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) and Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) unit was assisted by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 

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