Six suspects were arrested by the Hawks in Mahikeng, North West on Saturday for defrauding the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) of R2 million between 2019 and 2020. It is alleged that the suspects, two former employees of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West Provincial Government at the Mahikeng and Klerksdorp office and four recruiting agents, allegedly recruited unemployed individuals under various false pretence.

RECRUITING UNSUSPECTING INDIVIDUALS

North West Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said that the former employees and recruiting agents recruited unemployed individuals telling them they are being being assisted to lodge claims from the Drought Relief Fund; others were told they were being helped to claim money from UIF; while some were allegedly told that they would be employed at SARS or that they will get jobs in community projects. "The claimants were allegedly each given R50 to open bank accounts; however, bank cards were kept by the suspects. The claimants were allegedly made to complete UIF claim forms masquerading as former employees of Impala Platinum mine and Sibanye Ashanti Gold mine," Mathebula said. The suspects allegedly processed their claims and received R2 million in payouts.

CHARGES 

The suspects are facing charges of fraud, money laundering and theft. The Hawks Head in the province, Major General Patrick Mbotho, commended the investigation team for their sterling work and further lauded the National Prosecuting Authority for assisting the investigation team in building a watertight case against the suspects. General Mbotho cautioned the public to refrain from engaging in criminal activities as law enforcement will not hesitate to take action against them. The suspects will make their first appearance before Mahikeng District Court today.