On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, Phiwayinkosi Zulu (49), Philani Mkhwanazi (35), Melusi Tembe (32) and Thobani Ngobe (29), appeared in the Mtubatuba and KwaMsane Magistrate’s courts on charges related to Fraud, corruption and possession of fraudulent vehicle license disc.
The Hawks members from Richards bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information from Road Traffic Management corporate about an individual residing at Saligna road in Mtubatuba who was allegedly issuing fraudulent vehicle licence discs in exchange for cash.
An intensive investigation was initiated by the Hawks, leading to the arrests of Mkhwanazi and Zulu on 22 October 2024. During questioning, they led the police to Melusi Tembe, who was also arrested and had four laptops and a cell phone confiscated for further investigation. All three were charged with fraud and corruption.
The investigation then led the police to KwaMsane area, where Thobani Ngobe was found with a fraudulent vehicle licence disc and subsequently arrested
. He was charged with possession of fraudulent vehicle license disc.
All suspects appeared in court on 23 October 2024, with Zulu, Mkhwanazi, and Tembe appearing in the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s court and Ngobe appearing in the KwaMsane Magistrates’ court. The matter was remanded to 01 November 2024 for bail application.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona extolled the members for the good work. He added that the investigation highlights the efforts by the Hawks and the Road Traffic Management Corporation to crack down on fraudulent vehicle licence disc issuance in KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: South African Police Service