Eight Arrested in R825,000 UIF Office Theft, COSATU Welcomes Move
- The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed the arrest of eight suspects by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)
- Matthew Parks, COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, said the federation sees the arrests as an important milestone in the government’s wider effort to combat corruption
- Parks highlighted that the involvement of the DPCI underscores the severity of the systemic issues within the institution
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: UGC
COSATU welcomed the arrest of eight individuals by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, in connection with the theft of R825,000 from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) regional office in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
Eight individuals arrested in Limpopo
The federation said the arrests strengthen efforts by the UIF and law enforcement agencies to track payments to workers and businesses, ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for.
Matthew Parks, COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, stated that the federation views the development as an important step in the government’s broader campaign to combat corruption, an initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He added that the DPCI’s involvement underscores the seriousness of systemic problems within the UIF.
Parks further noted that the intervention confirmed COSATU’s long-standing concerns about outdated systems within the UIF, which, in the federation’s view, had allowed corruption to spread in an institution designed to provide essential support to workers.
Source: UGC
Other stories about the Hawks and SAPS
A petrol attendant has been arrested for allegedly defrauding motorists of nearly R500,000 through a card-cloning scam. The 34-year-old, who works at the Truckstop Inn petrol station, is expected to appear at Balfour Magistrates’ Court to face the charges. According to reports, the investigation was a joint effort by two banks and the Hawks’ Middelburg Serious Crimes Division. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magoseni Nkosi said the suspect allegedly cloned motorists’ bank cards during petrol transactions at the station, resulting in estimated losses of around R469,000.
In another case, SAPS, including the Hawks in Mpumalanga, uncovered several drug laboratories in Standerton on 4 and 7 April 2025. Police recovered drugs and equipment valued at R50 million. The operation followed intelligence received on 4 April regarding suspicious activity and involved multiple units, including Crime Intelligence, the K9 Unit, and private security firms. On 8 April 2025, police received further information about two additional laboratories. Upon searching the premises, officers discovered machinery worth millions and unfinished powder products valued at R28 million.
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In a separate incident, SAPS arrested a man found in possession of an R5 rifle and ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Hazyview, Mbombela, as part of a safer festive season initiative. Officers recovered an R5 rifle and 70 live rounds of ammunition from his vehicle. The suspect, who was already out on bail for house robbery and firearm-related charges, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Hawks investigate high treason charges
Briefly News also reported that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) is investigating four cases of high treason.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said they aren't fazed by the treason cases brought against the lobby group.
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Source: Briefly News
