MPUMALANGA – Martin Prince Lekhuleni (37) and Eunice Lekhuleni (24) who were published as wanted individuals were arrested by the Nelspruit based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on Wednesday, 14 December 2022.
The suspects handed themselves after they were published on media as sought by the Hawks for money laundering. The two fled during the arrest of the nine other suspects, Maluleke and Ubisi families during a multidisciplinary integrated takedown operation “Blood Orange” on the early hours of 02 December 2022.
Further financial investigation revealed money flow in and out of the accounts of the suspects. It is alleged that Lekhuleni paid money into the accounts of the field rangers and their families as gratification for tactical information in Kruger National Park to assist poaching syndicates.
The duo were arrested, charged and appeared before the Bushbuckridge Magistrates’ Court on the same day.
Eunice Lekhuleni was released on R5000 bail and her case was postponed to 27 January 2023 for further investigation. Martin Prince Lekhuleni was remanded in custody and his matter was postponed to Monday, 19 December 2022 for a formal bail application.
Anyone with further information on the investigation is urged to contact the Hawks’ investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall on 071 481 3281.
Source: South African Police Service