MTHATHA – The Mthatha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks has rearrested Khayalethu Sakawuli, who is accused of orchestrating the unlawful misappropriation of more than R2.8 million before allegedly absconding from the judicial process.

Mthatha Express reported in August 2023 about Sakawuli being arrested for allegations of theft of family trust funds.

Sakawuli faces charges of theft and money laundering. He was rearrested during the early hours of 17 July in Cofimvaba following a meticulous intelligence-driven operation.

The case stems from a complaint lodged by members of the Sakawuli Family Trust, which was established following the death of the siblings’ father to preserve several commercial properties in Cofimvaba. Rental income generated from the properties was reportedly intended to be distributed equally among all lawful beneficiaries.

Reports revealed that Sakawuli allegedly abused his fiduciary position by unlawfully removing his siblings as beneficiaries of the trust and replacing them with his biological children. This allegedly enabled him to assume exclusive control over the trust and its financial affairs.

Further allegations revealed that between April and June 2023, Sakawuli diverted rental income generated by the trust’s commercial properties for his personal benefit, depriving the rightful beneficiaries of their inheritance. The alleged financial prejudice suffered by the trust exceeds R2.8 million.

Following the complaint, a criminal case was registered and referred to the Hawks’ team for intensive investigation.

Rigorous investigation led to Sakawuli being arrested in August 2023, and he was granted bail of R20,000 after appearing in court. However, after making several court appearances over the years, he allegedly failed to appear before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 11 June. The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.

The warrant was executed on 17 July, resulting in his rearrest in Cofimvaba.

He made a brief appearance in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on the same day. The matter was postponed to 20 July for a pre-trial inquiry, and Sakawuli was remanded in custody.

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