Hawks arrest Giyani businessman for fraud
Giyani businessman arrested for fraud and money laundering linked to Covid-19 relief funds, facing investigation for misusing government payouts.
LIMPOPO – The Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation unit has arrested Rhulani Mashimbye, a Giyani businessman and director of a clothing company, for fraud and money laundering linked to Covid-19 relief funds in 2020.
His company is also under investigation for allegedly receiving the proceeds of crime.
The Hawks revealed that between March and December 2020, Mashimbye allegedly collected personal details from 28 desperate job seekers in Giyani under false pretences. He used their information to apply for Employee Relief Funds from the Department of Labour, falsely claiming they were his employees.
According to reports, Mashimbye allegedly travelled to various villages around Giyani, where he targeted desperate job seekers by promising them employment opportunities. Under this pretence, he collected their personal information, including identity documents and other sensitive details.
It is further alleged that he fraudulently used these particulars to apply for the Covid-19 Employee Relief Fund, a financial aid initiative intended to support struggling individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. As a result, he reportedly received a total payout of R304 450 from the relevant government department.
Instead of using the money for its intended purpose, he allegedly diverted the money to finance his own business ventures.
The matter was referred to the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit, which gathered substantial evidence. After the investigation was completed, the case was handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued, leading to Mashimbye’s apprehension. Mashimbye was arrested while on duty at his business in Polokwane. He appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 21 February 2025, where the case was postponed to 27 February 2025 for profiling.
He was remanded into police custody. The head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, welcomed the arrest, emphasising the importance of holding individuals accountable for exploiting relief funds meant to assist vulnerable communities during a pandemic. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice is served.
