Johannesburg - The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) arrested 16 suspects in the early hours of Sunday on allegations of Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme funds fraud.
The suspects aged between 23 and 57 were arrested in the Gauteng and North West provinces.
Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo said the operation was carried out by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) team based in North West, the Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) and the Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI), assisted by the office of the director of public prosecutions (DPP).
“It is alleged that in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, three sole directors of different dormant entities applied for TERS funds from the department of employment and labour for 47, 133 and 141 supposed employees,” Nxumalo said.
“The department paid the funds to companies' bank accounts. The funds were allegedly transferred to certain individuals for personal enrichment.”
According to the Hawks, the labour department suffered a total loss of more than R1.4 million due to the siphoning activities.
The Hawks investigated the matters and warrants of arrests were issued.
The suspects will appear in the Mahikeng district court on Monday on charges of fraud.
The Star