| 2024/12/19 |
|
Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – Lungela Malusi (46), appeared before East London Magistrate’s Court for allegations of land claim fraud on 18 December 2024. Lungela is a relative to a senior manager from the East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs. She is the ninth suspect additional to the eight suspects that were already arrested by the Hawks. Her co-accused Funeka Malusi (56) a senior government official, Chulumanco Malusi (25), Avukile Gxalo (54), Zoliswa Manditsa (47), Zoleka Mbinambina (55), Nokuthembela Hope Malgas (45) and Luvuyo Vika (54) were arrested by the East London Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) of the Hawks on 21 September 2024 respectively. All eight suspects appeared on 23 September 2024 where Funeka was released on R30 000 and the relatives on R10 000 bail each. Her arrest came after it is alleged that during the period between 2017 and 2024, a senior official from East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs holding a position of a director of quality assurance colluded with her relatives by allegedly approving self-orchestrated fraudulent claims. It is further alleged that the accused unlawfully submitted fraudulent land claims to the Department. Subsequently, it is reported that the director 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. 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 the investigation by the Hawks ensued. The investigation by the Hawks revealed that the senior official intentionally and unlawfully also edited the land claims by allegedly altering the banking details of the lawful beneficiaries to the bank accounts of her relatives and domestic worker. Further investigations divulged that the 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 Tuesday, 18 December 2024 where she was apprehended at George in Western Cape, being added to her co-accused. She made her first court appearances before East London Magistrates court on 19 December 2024 and was released on R10 000 bail. The matter was thus remanded to 19 February 2025 to join her co-accused. The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks Brigadier Fernando Luis, esteemed the determination shown by the SCI investigating team for efficaciously apprehending the suspect and bringing her before court. He further said,” as the Hawks we shall investigate and arrest all corrupt people without fear and favour.” He further appealed to the public to continue report such incidents. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |
|
|
