MPUMALANGA - The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the collaboration between the Hawks, Special Investigation and the Judiciary for ensuring that the accused are traced and brought to book. The commendation followed the arrest of three more suspects; the Deputy Director of Property Management at the Department of Public Works, Sifiso Kobus Mkhabela (42), the Director of Ntando MS Trading, Andiswa Dibakoane (23) and the Director of Ligcabo Properties, Bongani Lukhele (45).

They appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 after they were arrested by the Nelspruit based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation conducted by SIU on charges of corruption, money laundering, fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA) for R4.2 million monetary value.

The three will be joined with the six who were arrested in September 2022, the Chief Director of Department of Public Works, Sipho Ronny Monareng (50), an Accountant at Department of Public Works, Mcdonald Buko Sigudla (43), a State Accountant at Department of Public Works, Bandile Jacob Ngcebo (41) as well as three suppliers; Maganeleng Antony Mashigo (43), Whisky Delisa Khumalo (45) and Tshidi Suzen Sedibe (43) who were also released on R10 000 bail each on 28 September 2022.

The matter was assigned to the Hawks in November 2021 for further probe. During further Investigation, it was established that Monareng facilitated the whole processes. The case was finalised and handed over to court who issued warrants for their arrest.

The trio were released on R15 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 19 January 2023 for further investigation.

Source: South African Police Service