Hawks arrest 16 in Tzaneen UIF corruption case
The Hawks have arrested 16 people for a UIF fraud scheme in Tzaneen that caused losses of over R825 000 to the Department of Labour.
TZANEEN – The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit has arrested 16 individuals and implicated a private company in an alleged Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) corruption scheme that caused losses of more than R825 000 to the Department of Labour.
The arrests, carried out between December 2025 and January 2026, form part of an ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities at the Department of Labour’s Tzaneen office between January and May 2025.
Fraudulent UIF claims lead to arrests
According to Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, officials at the department first received information about irregular UIF claims early last year. A subsequent investigation revealed that one departmental official allegedly colluded with a private company to submit fraudulent UIF claims on behalf of beneficiaries in exchange for gratification.
The matter was reported to the Hawks’ SCI units in Phalaborwa and Musina, which conducted an in-depth investigation. Upon completion, the docket was handed to the State Advocate for a decision, after which coordinated operations were launched to trace and arrest the suspects in Limpopo and Gauteng.
Initial suspects go to court
Eight suspects aged between 25 and 50 were initially arrested between December 15 and 17, 2025. They appeared before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court, where they were granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R20 000.
The accused included Zephaniah Chauke (38), Mikateko Khosa (40), Vutomi Pennic Chauke (38), Amukelani Clifford Ndimana, Mahlori Khanyi (26), Vonani Ronald Maringa (49), Nkhensani Ivy Chauke (48), and Idah Nkhensani Makamu (49). Their case was postponed to February 20.
More arrests
On January 7, the Hawks arrested three additional female suspects aged between 40 and 60 in Tzaneen. They appeared in court on January 8 on charges of fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering.
This was followed by the arrest of two more accused, Nyiko Tintswalo (23) and Lydia Mabasa (33), on January 12. They appeared in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court the same day and were granted bail of R2 500 each. Their matter was also postponed to February 20, when it will be joined with that of the other accused, bringing the total to 16 accused persons and a company.
Provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, commended the investigating team for their efforts and reiterated the Hawks’ commitment to fighting corruption.
