UIF fraud fugitive caught by Mpumalanga Hawks
The man allegedly contacted a DEL employee, requesting assistance in processing fake UIF payments and promising to share the proceeds.
EMKHONDO – The Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit arrested Kwena Mohlala (42), in Ivory Park, Gauteng, on October 18.
He is accused of fraud and impersonating an employee of the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).
Mohlala had initially been arrested on February 22 in eMkhondo (formerly Piet Retief).
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, he allegedly contacted a DEL employee at the eMkhondo office, requesting assistance in processing fake UIF payments and promising to share the proceeds.
The employee reported the matter to the Hawks in Mpumalanga, and a meeting was arranged with Mohlala on February 22, 2022.
“During the meeting, the Hawks monitored the situation closely until five claim forms containing particulars of applicants from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng were handed to the employee,” said Nkosi.
Mohlala was arrested and appeared in the eMkhondo Magistrate’s Court, where he was granted bail.
After three court appearances, he absconded, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
During the execution of the warrant, police found him in possession of incomplete UIF claim forms, along with a notebook containing numerous identity numbers and bank account details.
He appeared again in the eMkhondo Magistrate’s Court on October 20, and was remanded in custody until October 28 for bail application.
“The suspect’s actions indicate that he has not ceased his activities. He must explain in court how he obtained this personal information and why he posed as a DEL official. I appreciate the team’s commitment, and I believe more information will be uncovered soon,” said the provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber.
