Two suspects appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court today in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate a senior Gauteng Department of Human Settlements official.

Thulani Collen Ndwandwe (49) and Tonia Mphemba Hlongwane (48) were remanded in custody until July 13 for a formal bail application after being charged with conspiracy to commit murder in terms of Section 18(2)(a) of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956.

The arrests follow an investigation by the Hawks’ East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (SOCIU), which began in 2024 after the official reported receiving information about an alleged plan to kill her after she blocked suspected corrupt activities.

According to Gauteng Department of Community Safety spokesperson Ofentse Morwane, the official was allegedly targeted by suspected hitmen who attempted to monitor her movements between her workplace and residence. She also reportedly received death threats, while shots were allegedly fired at her home.

SAPS said the investigation uncovered an alleged assassination plot linked to efforts to prevent the illegal sale of government RDP houses to non-beneficiaries.

On July 2, Hawks investigators arrested Ndwandwe in Dundonald, Mpumalanga, after executing a warrant of arrest.

During a search of the premises, several firearms and ammunition were seized for forensic examination. SAPS said the firearms included an AK-47 assault rifle, four 9mm pistols, an automatic pump-action shotgun and two high-calibre rifles.

Although Ndwandwe holds licences for the firearms, authorities confiscated the weapons and ammunition for ballistic testing to determine whether they may be linked to other crimes.

The investigation continued on July 3 when investigators, assisted by the Hawks’ Digital Forensic Investigation Unit, the Germiston Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the Gauteng Traffic Police High Priority Crimes and Internal Affairs Unit, executed a second warrant at the Alberton Department of Human Settlements offices.

Hlongwane, a departmental administrative clerk, was arrested, while four laptops and seven cellular phones were seized for digital forensic analysis.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements was approached for comment and indicated that a statement regarding the matter would be issued.

The Alberton Record also contacted the Alberton Human Settlements offices for comment, but no response had been received at the time of publication. The Alberton Record will update readers once further comment is received.

WATCH: Daveyton backyard dwellers protest at Alberton housing offices