The Free State’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has rewarded investigative and administrative personnel who persist and thrive. Investigators were recognised for their dedication to root out far-reaching ranges of serious crimes impacting on South Africa’s reputation and that resulted in the country being greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body that sets global standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Eight investigators received excellence awards at a ceremony held at the Leslie Monnanyane Hall in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Of these, three received special accolades, rewarding their diligence in putting the pieces of the puzzle together in investigations that culminated in convictions and the harsh sentencing of syndicates.
Col Nteke Kakudi received the special award from the national head of the Hawks, Lt Gen. Dr Godfrey Lebeya. This was in addition to the accolade for being the best investigator in a priority crime, specialised investigation. This recognition was for the uncovering of millions of rands being involved in cross-border crime committed by organised syndicates in Lesotho and South Africa. The total amount is an estimated R30 million.
Further probing saw the Asset Forfeiture unit (AFU) granted a forfeiture order of R18 million, that was fraudulently paid into South African bank accounts by Lesotho government officials, who allegedly siphoned approximately R50 million from state coffers through a well-orchestrated scheme. The members of the syndicate inflated and diverted payments meant for suppliers to themselves and their companies, which had not rendered any services to the state.
Sgt Josef Woityczka (middle) was presented the award of investigator for serious organised crime investigation by Brig. Ketlamoreng Mafoyane and Maj. Gen Aphathia Modise. The officer also received a special award from the Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport.
Kakudi’s ability saw the Free State High Court grant the forfeiture order after the AFU had proven that the money was fraudulently paid into Absa, Capitec, FNB and Standard Bank accounts to defraud the Lesotho government. The Lesotho Asset Forfeiture unit and Lesotho Mounted Police requested the assistance of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) forfeiture unit, the Hawks, and Financial Intelligence Centre upon the discovery that officials from the Ministry of Finance, have allegedly siphoned roughly R50 million and an additional R31 million and paid it into South African banks. In-depth investigations revealed that R7,3 million had been paid into personal accounts of the accused in defrauding the Lesotho government.
The unit’s strides include a breakthrough into the defrauding of Standard Bank clients of more than R26 million. Arrests followed, including that of nine suspects who worked for the bank.
Other investigators who received awards are: WO S Mpholo (best investigator serious commercial crime investigation); Capt. GE Segalo (best investigator serious corruption crime investigation); WO GJ Fick (best investigagor serious corruption investigation); Capt. SP Modisadife (best investigator serious organised crime investigation); WO LM Masekoa (best investigator serious organised crime investigation); WO MZ Molebatsi (best investigator priority crime specialised investigation ); and Capt K Du Plessis (best investigator priority crime specialised investigation).
WO S Mpholo, presented the best investigator serious commercial crime investigation award (middle) by Brig. M Mbongo and Advocate S Modisane (right).
Lebeya has lauded the group of investigators in the Free State who have ensured that more than 11 000 accused were brought to book in different courts.
“The hard work of these officers leads the national event to culminate with overall winners in the different categories.
“Some are receiving recognition above others, celebrating with others all the good we are doing against criminality that erodes all the good work,” said Lebeya.
He has strongly warned those breaching oath ethnics that they are breaking the country’s rule of law.
”One incident taints the image and reputation of the organisation and the good work performed. Do not be tempted to crime to erode the good work your are doing as a team to uphold the law,” said Lebeya.
