The members of the South African Police Service(SAPS) in Limpopo Province has announced an arrest of three employees which are accused of defrauding a construction company over R12 million.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the fight against corruption-related crimes gained momentum after the Limpopo Provincial Commercial Crime Unit arrested three suspects,including a woman,aged between 37 and 48,for allegedly defrauding one of the biggest construction company in South Africa of over R12 million.The suspects were arrested on separate occasions:two on Saturday,01 March 2025,and the third on Monday,03 March 2025.
Ledwaba mentioned that the construction company informed the law enforcement about the fraud committed by its employees.
He said it is alleged that in July 2023,while employed at Hillary Company in the Westernburg policing area,the trio generated fraudulent invoices to order equipment,diverting a total of R12,500,000(twelve million five hundred thousand rand) for personal gain.The fraud was later discovered and reported to the Westernburg Police Station by the company.
He revealed that following thorough investigation,the first suspect,Given Victor Mathebula(31),was arrested in Tzaneen.The second suspect,a 48-year-old woman,Simnikiwe Ndinisa,was arrested in Seshego,while Demala Ndou(41) voluntarily surrendered to the police.
He said the suspects appeared before the Polokwane Magistrates' Court on Monday,3 March 2025,where they were each granted bail of R50,000.Their case has been postponed to 9 April 2025 for further police investigations.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo,Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe,commended the investigating team for their commitment,stating:"Corruption will not be tolerated.Those who dare challenge the authority of the state will be dealt with accordingly.",he concluded.