| 2025/02/04 |
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Media Statement
GAUTENG – Two Ethiopian nationals, Firehiwot Koira Assego (40) and Shanko Abose Gezahegna (40), were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team following a sting operation on Friday, 31 January 2025, in Kempton Park. Both accused are asylum seekers in the Republic of South Africa. The complainant, a Warrant Officer from Interpol in Pretoria, reported that on Friday, 31 January 2025, he had arrested Mr. Kadebe Shanko Abose, also an Ethiopian national, on an extradition matter involving charges of fraud, theft, and corruption reportedly committed in eSwatini. The accused was appearing at Kempton Park Court for contravening the Immigration Act. The police officer was later approached by the two accused, Shanko Abose Gezahegna, who is the brother of the suspect, and the suspect’s wife, Firehiwot Koira Assego. They offered R40 000-00 in exchange for the release of the detained suspect. An arrangement was made for the same day at an eatery along Monument Road in Kempton Park. Meanwhile, the officer coordinated with the Hawks’ SCI team. The pair was arrested after handing over the money to the police official. They appeared in court on Monday, 03 January 2025, and the case was postponed to Monday, 10 January 2025, pending further investigation. Ends
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