The R1.6 million in kickbacks case of former sports minister Zizi Kodwa involving EOH boss Jehan Mackay was among a list of 673 Hawks high-profile arrests that were before courts.
Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya on Sunday unpacked achievements during the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
He said they were making significant inroads in apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cases, thus ensuring accountability and justice for the victims.
Most of the 167 arrests were effected in Gauteng, followed by 114 in KZN and the North West with 92 arrests.
“These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, fraud, money laundering, police killings, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, illegal mining, damage to essential infrastructure and crimes against the state. During these arrests, 68 firearms and 1 797 rounds of ammunition were seized. Three clandestine drug labs were dismantled in Gauteng with a total value of R16 179 300.
During this same period, the directorate secured convictions of 506 accused.
“Of these convictions, 262 accused persons ... were sentenced while ... 244 convicts are to be sentenced on dates after the quarter under review.
“Seventy-seven court orders were granted in relation to the assets associated with crime,” said Lebeya.
In high-profile cases in the serious corruption category, Lebeya referenced Kodwa and Mackay’s arrests, saying officials will continue to closely monitor the case.
“On June 5, 2024, the duo handed themselves over to the Hawks’ multi-disciplinary State Capture Task Team of the Serious Corruption Investigation at Bramley police station. They appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge where they were granted R30 000 bail each. They are facing charges relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities (PRECCA) Act as well as Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The case is remanded to September 10,for representation.”
He also noted the 46-year jail terms handed to Western Cape former cops Warrant Officer Jonathan Plaatjies and Sergeant Morne Fasser who sold a case docket to an accused for R40 000.
Serious commercial crime investigations included the arrests and court appearances of former KPMG bursary specialist Fidelis Moema and his co-accused, where the firm suffered a loss of R16.5m, and the arrest of former CFO at Star Schools Priscilla Ramlakan and her family in connection with R12.3m million stolen cash.
There is an outstanding implicated person, Ramlakan’s daughter, who is said to be based overseas.
In CIT robberies, Lebeya said 55 cases were reported and 34 suspects arrested, while 27 arrests were effected in CIT-related cases.
“In revealing these accomplishments, we note that the fight against national priority offences remains an ongoing challenge that requires sustained commitment and collaboration.
The DPCI recapitulates its commitment to work diligently to address the evolving threat and bring those who engage in criminality to justice,” he said.
Cape Times