SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING THE NATIONAL HEAD OF THE HAWKS
A 42-year-old suspect was arrested yesterday morning 10 May 2025 in Petrus Steyn, Free State Province, on charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer — specifically, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Hawks Spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said In October 2024, the suspect allegedly contacted a prominent South African businessman residing in Gauteng via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks.
Using a profile picture and personal details resembling those of Lieutenant General Lebeya, the suspect deceived the victim. It is alleged that the suspect claimed that the mobile phone of the victim had been hacked and, under the pretext of assisting with a security breach, requested the victim’s personal information.
Believing that he was communicating with the real National Head of the Hawks, the victim provided personal details and contact information of close associates. The suspect later solicited money, claiming to have successfully “de-bugged” the victim’s mobile devices. An amount that is more than R100,000 was subsequently paid by the victims.
The National Head of the DPCI said: “I am happy that the individual who pretended to be myself has now been caught. Those who have been tricked should come forward”.
Following a thorough investigation, the suspect was apprehended and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 12 May 2025.
The community is warned against making payments to police officers as they are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered.