Thandile Ndevu (33) was caught with five other co-accused members who are classified as either her family members or friends. The co-accused members include an HR Clerk, Khanya Ndevu (29), Avuyile Ndzuta (30), Thembisile Dlamini (36), Thozamile Herbert Loni (45), and Yonelisa Gova (33).

Ndevu, who was declared the primary key of the incident, allegedly ensured that legitimate reserve members were summoned to service and compensated. Ndevu is accused of misusing the system from July 2018 to July 2019.

[SANDF RESERVE FORCE MEMBERS APPEAR IN COURT FOR ALLEGEDLY PAYING GHOST WORKERS]

A South African Defense Force (SANDF), reserve force member Thandile Ndevu (33), a current SANDF Human Recourse (HR) clerk, Khanya Ndevu (29), Avuyile Ndzuta (30), Thembisile Dlamini (36), Thozamile… pic.twitter.com/SDNSUGCIQ7

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) June 26, 2025

“During this period, while performing her duties, it is alleged that Ndevu captured on the system details of SANDF reserve force members as though they were called up (reported for duty) and replaced their banking details with those of her co-accused persons where the payment for service was made,” said Lumka Mahanjana, regional NPA spokesperson.

This was discovered when one complainant went to file her taxes with Sars. She learned that she was required to submit two IRP5 forms, instead of the one she had brought, after her information was used.

Charges of fraud

The complainant allegedly returned to the SANDF to find out where the other workers were located. She reported the event to the police at the Pretoria Central police station, leading to a court case. The issue was sent to the military police for further investigation during their brief appearance in court. The court matter was postponed to 15 August.

“Thandile is facing 53 counts of fraud or theft and 53 counts of money laundering; Khanya and Dlamini are each facing eleven counts of fraud or theft and eleven counts of money laundering; Ndzuta is facing ten counts of fraud or theft, and ten counts of money laundering; Gova is facing 21 counts fraud or theft and 21 counts of money laundering,” said Mahanjana.

Mismanagement of funds in the defence force

The alleged theft case against Ndevu and the other five co-accused raises serious questions about the SANDF’s internal controls and oversight. 

This is evident by a history of alleged unusual spending and fraud cases inside the department of defence, as reported by monitoring organisations such as the Auditor-General and Special Investigating Unit on 28 January.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke further criticised the department of defence for unauthorised expenditure.

OFM News cg