EASTERN CAPE – The Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks arrested three suspects aged between 44 and 49 on 10 October 2022 for charges of fraud alternatively theft.

It is alleged that between August 2017 and 2022, the Public Assets Community based Tenants and Owners’ Association (PACTOA) in Mthatha illegally invaded a number of properties that belong to Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC). It is further reported that the association claimed monthly rentals from the tenants for their personal use. The arrested suspects are alleged to have either collected the rental money themselves or have it being deposited into their bank accounts.

The matter was reported to the Hawks in 2019 hence the arrest of the trio. The investigation revealed that ECDC was prejudiced cash to the value of more than R40 million. The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance at the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 11 October 2022.

Source: South African Police Service