HAWKS ARRESTED DIRECTOR AND HIS COMPANY FOR FRAUD
21 February 2025
HAWKS ARRESTED DIRECTOR AND HIS COMPANY FOR FRAU
Limpopo – Polokwane based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation arrested a company director and Mr Rhulani Mashimbye his Clothing (PTY) LTD for alleged fraud and money laundering.
During 2022, the Hawks received a referral from the Specialised Investigation Unit (SIU).
It was established that during the period between March and December 2020, the accused allegedly collected personal details from 28 individuals and used their particulars to apply for the Employee Relief Funds from the Department of Labour as his employees whereas they were not.
According to the reports, Mr Mashimbye went to the villages around Giyani and obtained personal information from the desperate job seekers promising to offer them jobs.
He allegedly used their particular to apply for the Covid-19 Relief Fund. As a result, he received a payout of R304 450, 00 from the Department, and he used such money for his business.
The matter was referred to the SCI for further investigation. The Hawks obtained further evidence. After the finalization of the investigation, the case was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for decision.
As a result, a warrant of arrest was authorised. Mr Mashimbye was traced and arrested while on duty at his business in Savanah outside Polokwane.
He appeared before Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 21 February 2025. The case was postponed to 27 February 2025 for profiling. He was remanded into police custody.
The Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender welcomed the arrest of the accused.
