| 2025/04/15 |
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Media Statement
KWAZULU-NATAL – On Sunday, 13 April 2025, the Hawks members from Durban Serious Corruption Investigation arrested a 46-year-old Malawian national, Lazarus Kenneth Wankhama for corruption and violation of the Immigration Act. The arrest follows an incident that took place in September 2021 when Wankhama was arrested by the Hawks members from Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation for theft of crude oil. It is alleged that he then offered a gratification of R50 000-00 to police for his release. The police swiftly initiated an undercover operation, apprehending the accused and recovering R49 900 in trap money from his possession. The case was then handed over to the Hawks members from Durban Serious Corruption Investigation for further processing. Initially, the case was provisionally withdrawn, awaiting further investigation. However, when the case was ready to be brought back before the court, Wankhama had absconded and could not be located, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his the arrest. On 13 April 2025, Wankhama was finally apprehended, and he appeared in the Newcastle Magistrate’s court the following day, on 14 April 2025. The case was then remanded to 17 April 2025, for a formal bail application. The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona commended the members for the good work. “This arrest and ongoing investigation exemplify the unwavering commitment of the Hawks to rooting out corruption and ensuring that justice is served,” he concluded. Ends
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