| 2025/03/15 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) have once again broken a record by apprehending four additional suspects aged between 31 and 58 in connection with allegations of land claim fraud. The foursome were nabbed by the East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation around East London and Western Cape simultaneously on 14 March 2025. Their accomplices Funeka Malusi (56), a senior government official, Chulumanco Malusi (25), Avukile Gxalo (54), Zoliswa Manditsa (47), Zoleka Mbinambina (55), Nokuthembela Hope Malgas (45), Luvuyo Vika (54), and Lungela Malusi (46), were arrested by the Hawks in 2024, respectively. All eight suspects appeared in September and December 2024, where Funeka was released on R30 000 and her accomplice released on R10 000 bail each. Their arrest emanating from the Hawks investigation about land claim that allegedly occurred during the period between 2017 and 2024. The incident involving a senior official from East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs, who allegedly colluded with her relatives to approve fraudulent claims and submit them unlawfully in the department. Subsequently, it is reported that the director successfully approved the aforesaid land claim documents that were submitted. Further reports divulged that she amended the list and substituted the details of the claimants with those of her relatives including those of her domestic worker. The quartet is a relative to a senior manager from the East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs. They are the twelfth suspect additional to the eighth suspects. Moreover, it is further alleged that none of the lawful beneficiaries of land claims received payments, but her relatives unduly received payments from land claims. Information about the matter was received hence probe by the Hawks ensued. 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. 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. A warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on Friday, 14 March 2025 for the quartet to be arrested. The suspects are expected to appear before East London Magistrates court on 17 March 2025. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, esteemed the determination shown by the SCI investigating team for efficaciously apprehending the suspects and bringing all of them one by one before the lady judge. Ends
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