The Hawks’ West Rand Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit has arrested two suspects for allegedly running a registration and funding scam targeting vulnerable community members in Kagiso and Brits.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Sello, one of the suspects is a former employee of the Department of Social Development (DSD), while the other is an alleged accomplice. The pair appeared in the Kagiso Magistrate’s Court on July 1, where they each faced five counts of fraud.

The arrests follow a meticulous investigation into allegations that victims visited the DSD offices to enquire about non-profit organisation registration and funding. Upon arrival, they were allegedly approached by the suspects, who redirected them to their private entity while promising to fast-track their applications.

“The suspects allegedly targeted vulnerable individuals, the majority of whom were pensioners and early childhood development centre operators. Each complainant was initially coerced into paying R17 000 for the services, with the suspects subsequently demanding further payments. Despite paying a collective total of R87 500, the victims never received the promised funding or registration documents,” Sello said.

Following a thorough investigation, the case docket was presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions in South Gauteng, who directed that both suspects be prosecuted. Warrants of arrest were subsequently issued on June 23.

Both accused were granted bail of R3 000 each. The case was postponed to July 20 for further investigation.