Thirteen people, including a company director, have been arrested for alleged R732,549.15 UIF fraud in Limpopo.
The suspects were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team during an operation code-named John Vul’gate and are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Hawks Limpopo spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi said the suspects face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering relating to allegedly fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims processed through the Department of Employment and Labour in Burgersfort.
Nkabi said the matter was reported to the Hawks by the department after irregularities were detected in the processing of UIF claims.
It is alleged that some individuals were recruited to submit UIF claims on the basis that they had previously been employed and retrenched by various companies.
However, during verification, the companies allegedly indicated that they had no employment records corresponding with the claims.
The Hawks’ investigation subsequently uncovered alleged fraudulent transactions and financial activities suspected to be linked to the proceeds of the UIF claims.
Investigators also identified alleged money-laundering activities involving the main suspect.
Following consultation with the National Prosecuting Authority, warrants of arrest were issued for the identified suspects.
The operation began on Tuesday and resulted in the arrest of 12 individualand the apprehension of another individual linked to a juristic entity on Wednesday.
The juristic entity has also been implicated in the investigation.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in court on Friday.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
Nkabi said Hawks Limpopo provincial head Major General Advocate Gops Govender commended the investigating team for the breakthrough.
Govender said the Hawks’ responsibility was to protect public resources and ensure funds intended for legitimate beneficiaries were not diverted through fraudulent activities.
“We will continue to pursue those suspected of abusing public funds and ensure that matters are properly investigated and placed before the courts,” he said.
