The Hawks Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation team arrested two foreign nationals aged between 52 and 53 years on August 10 for fraud and corruption.
Takesure Phiri (54) and Ishaq Issa Saidi (55) initially appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 11.
According to the Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, the suspects’ appearance emanates from a criminal case in which the duo took part in a scheme to defraud the Department of Labour.
“It is alleged that the suspects approached an official to be assisted with their application for UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) benefits.
“The official was told that if she can assist them, they will provide gratification,” said Capt Sekgotodi.
She said that the duo further promised the official that they would pay her R2 000 and an agreement was made for the payment to be done on August 10.
“The official suspected that something was wrong because the services at the Department of Labour are free. The matter was reported to the department and escalated to the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation based in Secunda for further investigation,” said Capt Sekgotodi.
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An intelligence-driven operation was conducted, and the suspects were arrested immediately after payment of R2 000 as previously agreed, was paid over.
The case was postponed to August 18.
Major General Nico Gerber commended the Hawks for their commitment to follow up on information received from the public.
