Suspects in money laundering case arrested near Bushbuckridge
Two people suspected of money laundering handed themselves over to law enforcement on Wednesday December 14.
A man and woman, Martin Prince Lekhuleni (37) and Eunice Lekhuleni (24), appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday December 14 after they were arrested by the Nelspruit Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit earlier that same day.
A statement by the provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (Hawks) Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said Martin and Eunice handed themselves over to the Hawks after the duo had learnt their photos were being circulated in the media as wanted suspects.
The two had initially evaded arrest when nine other suspects, also implicated in the money laundering case, were arrested on December 2 during a multidisciplinary integrated takedown operation called “Blood Orange”.
“Further financial investigations revealed money flow in and out of the accounts of the suspects,” said Sekgotodi.
She said it is alleged that the Lekhulenis had paid money into the accounts of field rangers and their families as gratification for tactical information to assist poaching syndicates in the Kruger National Park.
Eunice was released on R5 000 bail and her case was postponed to January 27 for further investigation. Martin was remanded in custody and his matter was postponed to Monday December 19 for a formal bail application.
Sekgotodi urged anyone with further information on the matter to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall, on 071 481 3281.
