MPUMALANGA – The Hawks have arrested an additional 55-year-old woman in connection with an alleged money-laundering scheme involving R114 million earmarked for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools in Mpumalanga.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, arrested the woman on Wednesday, 14 October, following the execution of a warrant of arrest by members of the Middelburg and Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation teams.

The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tender fraud, corruption and the misappropriation of public funds intended to improve school infrastructure and learning conditions across the province.

According to the Hawks, the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court issued the warrant after the suspect was allegedly found to have received more than R1 million through transactions involving four service providers and her husband, who is also an accused in the broader case.

She faces a charge of money laundering and is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 October.

40 suspects arrested in February

The investigation follows an operation in February 2026 in which 40 suspects were arrested in connection with alleged fraud, theft, corruption, money laundering and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

Those arrested included 21 directors of service-provider companies, 10 government officials and other individuals, including family members allegedly linked to the scheme.

The case centres on approximately R114 million intended for emergency repairs and maintenance at schools in Mpumalanga.

The remaining accused are expected to return to court on 1 December, except for one individual who was released after investigators established that his credentials had allegedly been used without his knowledge.

More arrests possible

The Hawks said the latest arrest represented further progress in efforts to trace the movement of funds allegedly diverted from public resources.

Major General Nico Gerber, the DPCI provincial head in Mpumalanga, reiterated the unit’s commitment to following the money, identifying everyone who may have benefited from the alleged criminal activities and ensuring that those implicated are brought before the courts.

The Hawks have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.

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