An Eastern Cape
police service provider, who doubles as a Lukhanji FM station manager, Andrew
Joe (44) has been arrested on alleged fraud charges by the Serious Corruption Crime
Investigation (unit) of the Hawks. Lukhanji FM, a community radio station and Joe’s garage are both based in Komani.
Hawks
provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, said Joe appeared
before the Queenstown Magistrates’ Court on February 27, and was released on R2 000
bail.
“Joe faces
charges of fraud exceeding R160 000. The incident dates back to November 17, 2022, when a police Ford Ranger experienced a breakdown in Aliwal North. The
vehicle was outsourced through Wesbank appointed under an RT46 Government
contract. Innova Motorworks (Pty) Ltd where Joe serves as the sole director was
selected for repairs,” Fumba said.
Fumba said when
the car was returned to the police on July 25, 2023, it was invoiced for work allegedly including a new engine, turbo
and injectors amounting to over R160 000.
“However, a subsequent
inspection by a police garage mechanic apparently revealed inconsistencies
between the invoice and the actual work performed,” Fumba said.
“The matter was
escalated to the Serious Corruption Crime Investigation of the Hawks leading to
the discovery that the old engine remained installed and the turbo and
injectors had never been replaced,” Fumba said.
It was further
reported that Wesbank was promptly informed, said Fumba, and payment to the
merchant was halted.
“Consequently, Christopher Andrew Joe was arrested on February 27, 2024, and appeared before the Queenstown Magistrates’ Court the same
day facing charges of fraud. He has been released on bail of R2 000 and the case
is remanded to March 25, for further proceedings,” Fumba said.
