Hawks investigation – MDNtv

Hawks Financial Analysis Casts Doubt on Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Claims

MDN tv — Mon, 25 May 2026 13:36:20 +0000

New forensic evidence from the ongoing Phala Phala burglary trial has contradicted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s long-held claim that $580,000 was stolen from his Limpopo farm in 2020.

Hawks analysts tracking the accused’s finances have linked over R15 million (more than $800,000) in cash deposits and luxury spending to the suspects shortly after the February 2020 break-in, nearly double the amount Ramaphosa has publicly acknowledged. The president has said the money came from a legal buffalo sale.

Opposition parties say the discrepancy suggests undeclared foreign currency and possible foreign exchange violations. Ramaphosa’s office maintains that the $580,000 figure is accurate. No charges have been filed against him.

The trial was postponed in Modimolle to today, Monday, with renewed political pressure following a May 2026 Constitutional Court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings over the scandal.

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R1 Billion Drug Lab Case Expands as 13 Suspects Face Court

MDN tv — Fri, 22 May 2026 12:59:01 +0000

The high-profile R1 billion drug lab case in Swartruggens, North West, has widened dramatically after the Hawks confirmed that 13 suspects are now linked to the massive alleged criminal operation.

The development comes after two farm owners handed themselves over to police, joining the 11 suspects who appeared in court again today in connection with the case.

According to the Hawks, the farm owners have been charged with:

* Drug manufacturing

* Illegal possession of precious metals

* Illegal possession of hazardous chemicals

Authorities say further investigations uncovered additional immigration-related concerns involving several accused persons.

The Hawks revealed that one Zimbabwean national, three Mozambican nationals, and one Mexican national were allegedly in South Africa illegally. As a result, additional charges relating to the contravention of the Immigration Act have now been added to the case.

The accused appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to 12 June 2026 for formal bail applications.

The court also heard that interpreters are required for the Mexican, Mozambican, and Zimbabwean accused as proceedings continue.

The case has attracted national attention after law enforcement agencies uncovered what is believed to be one of the biggest clandestine drug manufacturing operations in South African history, with the estimated value of the operation standing at approximately R1 billion.

The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, and specialised units investigating organised crime and narcotics operations.

Investigators are continuing with extensive forensic and intelligence-driven investigations, and authorities have indicated that more arrests could still follow as the probe deepens.

The case is expected to return to court on 12 June 2026.

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ELEVEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN SWARTRUGGENS DRUG BUST APPEARED IN COURT

MDN tv — Fri, 22 May 2026 04:56:58 +0000

Eleven suspects’ cases were postponed for seven days for interpreters, verification of immigration status, and possible formal bail application when their first appearance before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court, this morning, on 15 May 2026, on charges related to drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, illegal possession of hazardous materials, and contravention of the Immigration Act. They will appear again on 22 May 2026. They were remanded in custody.

This follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Crime Intelligence Head Office, Organized Crime Head Office, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) based at the Head Office and other stakeholders, which resulted in the arrest of eleven (11) suspects linked to a suspected clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory on 13 May 2026.

National Hawks Spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the accused include five (5) Mexican nationals, Fabian Astorga, Jesus Alonso, Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, Jose Andres Medina, Jacquelin Lopez Madrid(woman); two (2) Mozambican nationals, Ismael Afiado Massingue, Lourenco Constantino Cumbane; one (1) Zimbabwean national, Tobias Soyani, and three (3) South African citizens, Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte, Vusi Amos Mkambi.

The operation led to the discovery of a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing facility believed to be involved in the production of methamphetamine. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized tons of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, as well as three firearms.

Forensic experts are still processing the crime scene; however, approximately 481 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value amounting to millions of rands have thus far been confiscated. It is anticipated that the quantity may increase once the entire scene has been thoroughly processed. The estimated value of the illicit drug laboratory exceeds R1 billion.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the discovered laboratory is the fourth drug laboratory in South Africa with alleged Mexican links.

At this stage, the owners of the property have not yet been located. However, the owner’s son and other relatives were among those arrested. The owners are currently required to be questioned as investigations continue.

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, certain information cannot be divulged at this stage and will be communicated in due course.

Investigations remain ongoing.

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CAT MATLALA AND 12 SENIOR OFFICIALS FACE CORRUPTION CHARGES IN MEDICARE 24 SCANDAL

MDNtv — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:30:03 +0000

Cat Matlala and 12 senior officials are facing serious corruption charges linked to the controversial Medicare 24 tender scandal. The high-profile matter has sent shockwaves across South Africa as authorities intensify investigations into alleged corruption, fraud and abuse of public resources.

The case is expected to draw major public attention as more details emerge around the alleged tender irregularities and the involvement of senior officials.

MDNtv brings you the latest developments, court updates, reactions and analysis surrounding this major corruption case.

Stay tuned for continuing coverage.

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Suspended SAPS Sergeant Accuses KZN Top Cop Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of Torturing Him During The Investigation Into The Kidnapping Of KwaDukuza Businessman Zakariyya “Zak” Desai.

MDN tv — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:03:53 +0000

Suspended police officer, Samkeliso Mlotshwa has made explosive allegations against KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mlotshwa claimed he was tortured by SAPS members including Mkhwanazi.

Mlotshwa made this claim while testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of police corruption on Friday.

He claimed police forced entry into his home in 2024, without a search warrant and later burnt it.

Mlotshwa told the committee he was identified as a prime suspect in Desai’s kidnapping case after the businessman was abducted outside a mosque in KwaDukuza on September 10, 2024.

The case was handled by a multidisciplinary team in KZN that included members of the Hawks and the provincial tracking unit.

The suspended officer testified that police officers forced entry into his home on November 20, 2024, while he was in Maputo.

“The officers did not have a search warrant and later they burned the house down. Days later, on November 23, I was detained in Maputo after I was arrested at a restaurant in Maputo under the claims that he was an illegal immigrant.

“I was taken to the nearest bush where members of SAPS based in Maputo tortured me. When they were tired of torturing me and realizing that I had no knowledge about Desai’s disappearance, they then decided to take everything that I had in my possession, including my passports and money. I was detained there as an illegal immigrant,” he said.

According to Mlotshwa, he was moved on November 28 from a police station in Maputo to the Lebombo border post and handed over to KZN police.

“He described the transfer as an illegal rendition conducted without proper legal procedures before he was formally processed by investigators.

Mlotshwa further claimed that on December 9, 2024, he and two Mozambican co-accused were taken from KwaDukuza police cells to a private farm despite having legal representation. He alleged they were transported in private vehicles belonging to Desai’s brother and were subjected to interrogation.

During the alleged interrogation, Mlotshwa said he and his co-accused were stripped naked and suffocated with a water-filled plastic bag.

“During the torture, the provincial commissioner was present and participated in the torture.

“He went as far as telling me that I should have rather committed suicide than coming to KZN,” he testified.

He claimed Mkhwanazi entered the room and instructed him to undress and squat.

Charges against Mlotshwa were later withdrawn in January 2025, but he remains suspended without pay while the allegations are expected to be addressed before the committee.

Mlotshwa concluded his testimony by accusing national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) of failing to intervene.

“It is disappointing and heartbreaking that the national commissioner and Ipid have dismally failed to act decisively where illegal rendition, torture, and arson have been committed. They need to account and be held responsible for their lack of action,” he said.

Mkhwanazi and Masemola are set to return to the committee to respond to the allegations levelled against them.

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KZN Hawks Arrest Man For The Murder Of Police Sergeant In Inanda

MDN tv — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:25:00 +0000

Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) arrested Kwanele Khatheni (27) for murder of Sergeant Sanele Dlamini (37) who was fatally shot at Inanda last year.

Khatheni was apprehended in his hideout place on Wednesday and appeared in Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

KZN Hawks Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said on 8 April 2025, Sergeant Dlamini who was attached to the Presidential Protection Unit was off duty driving his private motor vehicle along Mafukuzela Road at Inanda Newtown.

“It is alleged that he stopped opposite the service station and went to the tuck shop, whilst waiting to purchase he was accosted by the accused. Sgt Dlamini managed to drew his service pistol and fired several shots towards the accused. One of the accused also shot at Sergeant Dlamini and robbed him of his service pistol. He was taken to hospital in his private motor vehicle and was declared dead on arrival,” he said.

Mhlongo said that a case of murder was reported at Inanda police station and Hawks members attended the crime scene.

“Information was received that one of the accused was taken to the local clinic and police proceeded to the clinic where he was placed under arrest. He was introduced as Ntuthuko Nzama aged 27. Nzama appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate Court few days after the incident and was remanded in custody since then.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Nzama was taken to hospital by Khatheni who introduced himself as Siphon, hence he was arrested on Wednesday. He briefly appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court today and was remanded in custody,” said Mhlongo.

Mhlongo said the case was postponed to 20 March 2026 for formal bail application and Nzama will re-appear in the same court on 18 March 2026 for trial.

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Five Years Later Where Is Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala

MDN tv — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:00:01 +0000

Five years after his dramatic disappearance, questions still surround the whereabouts of controversial businessman Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala and whether the explosive findings by the Special Investigating Unit could shed new light on his past dealings.

The SIU recently revealed that South Africa’s immigration system had effectively been turned into a marketplace, where visas and permits were allegedly sold to the highest bidder. The findings have sparked renewed public interest in high profile immigration fraud cases, including that of Chabalala.

The Rise and Sudden Fall of “Mshengu”

Chabalala, once known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his Sam Holdings Group empire, drew national attention in 2019 when he arrived at the Durban July with a convoy of luxury vehicles reportedly stretching into the dozens. The spectacle reportedly triggered scrutiny from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

On 6 September 2019, Chabalala was arrested on charges including corruption, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, illegal entry into South Africa, and providing false information to authorities.

During his arrest, he claimed to have been born in Limpopo. Investigators later alleged he was in fact a Zimbabwean national.

The Affidavit and the Killing

Shortly after Chabalala’s arrest, his close associate and manager, Nkosinathi Ngcongo, provided a sworn affidavit to investigators. Days later, Ngcongo was shot and killed.

Court proceedings later resulted in a 15 year prison sentence for a bodyguard linked to the murder plot. However, allegations have persisted that a suspected gunman known as Khumalo has not been arrested.

Bail, Bribery Allegations and Disappearance

Chabalala was granted R200,000 bail at the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. Less than six months later, he was arrested again, this time accused of attempting to bribe a senior police officer to make his case docket disappear and return his seized vehicle.

He was granted R500,000 bail despite opposition from the State.

In March 2020, after being released on bail for the second time, Chabalala vanished.

Before disappearing, he allegedly left a note suggesting he intended to end his life near the Crocodile River or a game reserve along the N2 towards Hluhluwe. No remains were publicly confirmed, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Authorities had reportedly secured two warrants for his arrest after he failed to appear in court.

SIU Findings on Immigration Corruption

The renewed attention comes after the SIU presented interim findings into corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the probe, authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, examined visa processes between October 2004 and February 2024.

Among the findings

More than 2,000 study visas were allegedly fraudulently issued

Financial benefits exceeding R181 million were traced to beneficiaries

Four officials earning under R25,000 per month reportedly received R16.3 million in unexplained deposits

Seventy five disciplinary cases were finalised over two financial years

Twenty officials were dismissed since April last year

High profile cases, including those involving Shepherd Bushiri and Timothy Omotoso, were also flagged during the investigation.

The Unanswered Question

Five years later, the mystery remains.

Is Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala dead. Did he flee the country. Or could new investigations into immigration corruption eventually reveal what really happened.

For now, the businessman who once dominated headlines has vanished, leaving behind unanswered questions, unfinished court cases, and a legal system still grappling with the full extent of alleged immigration corruption.

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TEMBISA HOSPITAL LOOTING CASE | EMPLOYEE & HAWKS OFFICER GRANTED R5,000 BAIL IN BRIBERY SHOCK

MDNtv — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:11:45 +0000

Two suspects a Tembisa Hospital employee and a Hawks officer have been granted R5000 bail each after appearing in court on corruption charges linked to the ongoing Tembisa Hospital looting investigation.

The pair were arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe a Hawks investigating officer with R100000 in an effort to interfere with the probe. The magistrate ruled that there was no indication the accused would abscond or interfere with witnesses.

The case has been postponed for further investigation as authorities continue probing alleged theft and corruption at the hospital. Stay with MDNtv for courtroom updates and full analysis on developments in the Tembisa Hospital saga.

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SAFM PRESENTER NONKULULEKO MANTULA AND CO-ACCUSED BACK IN COURT OVER RUSSIAN MILITARY RECRUITMENT

MDNtv — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:46:38 +0000

SAFM presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and four co-accused appeared at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing charges of recruiting South Africans to join the Russian military in contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

The case stems from a Hawks investigation linked to the Russia Ukraine war and has been postponed to 29 April. The group was arrested in December last year.

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Former Standard Bank IT Worker Faces Fraud Charges Over R1.9 Million Loss

MDN tv — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:45:01 +0000

A former Standard Bank IT operator has been released on bail after being accused of defrauding the bank of more than R1.9 million through alleged system manipulation.

The suspect, Vivian Brink (60), appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, a day after his arrest at his Rosettenville home. He faces charges of theft and fraud linked to activities that allegedly took place during his employment at the bank.

According to investigators, the offences are said to have occurred between January 2014 and November 2017 while Brink was working as an IT operator. During this period, he is accused of unlawfully manipulating the bank’s internal systems to increase the overdraft limit on his personal account for financial gain.

Authorities claim that the manipulation resulted in an actual financial loss of more than R1.9 million to the bank.

Brink was granted bail of R5,000 during his first court appearance. The case was postponed to February 3 and transferred to the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for further proceedings.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The case forms part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on financial crimes within the banking sector, following several recent cases involving alleged fraud by bank employees.

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