By Thapelo Molefe
The Hawks have delivered a resounding blow to criminal networks across South Africa, securing 1452 arrests and achieving 32 life imprisonment sentences in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
The latest quarterly operation targeted high-profile crimes, including corruption, organised crime, police murders, cybercrime, cash-in-transit heists and illegal mining.
Of these, 1172 arrests stemmed from Serious Organised Crime investigations, 234 from Serious Commercial Crime, and 46 from Serious Corruption cases. The North West recorded the highest number of arrests at 919, while Gauteng followed with 116 arrests.
“These arrests and convictions send a clear message [that] criminals will be held accountable,” said the head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.
“We remain steadfast in our duty to protect citizens and dismantle these dangerous syndicates.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said among the most significant breakthroughs was the takedown of illegal mining syndicates, leading to 910 arrests and the seizure of six gold bars worth R15 million in Gauteng.
The two main suspects, Joacham Chivayo and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, were apprehended while allegedly attempting to sell the gold and were due to appear in court on 25 February.
The Hawks also intensified efforts to tackle the killing of police officers, securing 30 arrests and seven convictions related to police murders. Among these convictions, 22 life sentences and 725 years in cumulative prison terms were handed down.
“The murder of a police officer is an attack on the state,” said Lebeya. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full might of the law.”
A particularly notable case saw Gift Phasha sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Sergeant Moruoane in Tembisa.
The DPCI continued its pursuit of individuals implicated in the State Capture Inquiry, with 38 arrests, including board members linked to irregular contracts.
One of the highest-profile cases involved former South African Airways board member Yakwe Kwinana, arrested for her alleged role in an R59 million irregular contract awarded to auditing firms PwC and Nkonki.
“Our goal is to restore integrity in public institutions,” stated Lebeya. “The arrests related to state capture demonstrate our resolve in bringing offenders to justice.”
She was granted R20,000 bail, with her case was postponed to 12 March 2025.
Cash-in-transit heists remained a focal point, with 42 incidents investigated, 119 arrests, and six convictions. One convicted suspect received life imprisonment, while others accumulated 147 years in total sentences.
Additionally, authorities dismantled three clandestine drug laboratories valued at over R37 million, arresting four suspects in the process.
“These seizures and arrests reflect our firm stance against the drug trade,” said Lebeya. “We are dismantling criminal networks at their core.”
Seventy-eight individuals and entities were brought before the courts for tax-related crimes, with 16 convictions secured.
The sentences included orders to repay SARS a total of R14.9 million. The Hawks are currently investigating 738 cases linked to SARS, with 229 cases pending in court, 266 under investigation, and 243 awaiting a decision from the National Prosecuting Authority.
The Hawks have continued to crack down on those who defrauded COVID-19 relief funds. By 31 December 2024, 64 cases remained on the court roll, while 27 convictions had been secured against those who exploited pandemic-related financial assistance.
“Those who stole from the COVID-19 relief funds shall serve as living proof that crime does not pay,”Lebeya said.
He said legal practitioners were expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, but some have violated this trust.
One major case involved attorney Michael Senotse Mabunda, who fraudulently claimed R10.5 million from the Road Accident Fund on behalf of 14 clients. Instead of transferring the money to them, he allegedly kept the funds for himself. Mabunda is currently facing charges in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with his next hearing scheduled for 21 February 2025.
To disrupt criminal enterprises financially, the Hawks secured 96 freezing and forfeiture orders worth R55.2 million. Over R2 million was deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account, reinforcing the state’s commitment to ensuring that crime does not pay.
A notable forfeiture case involved Bradley Slingers, a Northern Cape public official who was allegedly caught with R879,200 in unexplained cash. After failing to provide a credible source for the funds, a court ordered the money forfeited to the state on 7 November 2024.
As Lebeya nears the end of his tenure, he reaffirmed the Hawks’ unwavering commitment to justice.
“In line with our motto of ‘Seek, Find, and Strike,’ the DPCI shall continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour, or prejudice,” he said.
INSIDE POITICS
