Kenneth Dirk Tucker (61), Steward Beric Brown (60), Jan Albert Marais (48) and Willem Jacobus Swart (38) have appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 for fraud and money laundering.
According to the Gauteng Hawks Spokesperson Warrant Officer Thathohatsi Mavimbela the four accused are directors at Top Vending (Pty) Ltd with business relations with Phezulu Ilanga Vending (Pty) Ltd. The accused are alleged to have conspired to embezzle money from Phezulu Ilanga Vending by fraudulently obtaining signatory powers of the business bank account of Phezulu Ilanga Vending and unlawfully transacting as well as inflating business invoices. As a result Phezulu Ilanga Vending suffered an actual loss of R131 million since 2015 to date due to the actions of the quartet.
The quartet were arrested on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at their place of employment and have made their first appearance before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 where they were granted bail of R20 000 each. The matter has been postponed to 06 August 2025.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the investigating officer for the meticulous investigation which has led to the apprehending of the suspects.