Two senior Hawks officers arrested for alleged fraud and corruption

Two senior officers from the Hawks and a former officer stationed at the Silverton office aged 48, 55 and 57 were arrested on Tuesday morning for alleged fraud and corruption in relation to promotional appointments in the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation.

The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members, in their quest to rid the organisation of those members who aren’t willing to be beyond reproach, executed warrants of arrests for the senior officers and the former officer who allegedly misused their power and authority whilst discharging their duties as members of selection panels within the DPCI.

IRREGULARITIES AT NORTH WEST DPCI OFFICE 

According to Colonel Katlego Mogale, the investigation was kick-started when there were irregularities picked up at the North West DPCI office. The investigation spans throughout the provinces.

“It should be clear by now that the Directorate does not favour or prejudice anyone in executing its mandate. The principle followed is that regardless of the seniority of the suspected officers, the members of the Directorate still perform their work without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Mogale. 

Mogale said the focus is on the crime committed and it is not about the status of the alleged perpetrator.  

“No individual member can negatively influence the investigation of cases against himself or herself,” said Mogale. 

“While we continue to treat every suspect as innocent until proven otherwise, where there appears to be sufficient evidence, we shall secure the attendance of the suspect in court,” said National Head of the DPCI Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court soon. 

HAWKS SPOKESPERSON RESIGNS 

Spokesperson for the Hawks Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi resigned on Monday 9 November 2020. Mulaudzi is at the centre of a scandal whereby the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) allegedly made a R3 million donation to Mulaudzi’s foundation, to go towards the establishment of a sports centre.

“The spokesperson of the Hawks, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi has tendered his resignation this morning to the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya for consideration,” said Mogale.

“The national head considered the resignation. The reasons for tendering the resignation cited as personal. The national head has accepted the resignation with immediate effect,” added Mogale. 

Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mat Cuthbert said funds intended for the sports centre were allegedly spent on items unrelated to the actual project itself such as the purchasing of minibus taxis and kickbacks paid to NLC officials.

“Moreover, the internal document revealed that Mr Mulaudzi’s foundation failed to submit annual reports and compliance documents since 2018, which simply makes the donation of funds from the NLC more sinister,” said Cuthbert.