A co-ordinated arrest operation, led by the Hawks, yielded positive results today, February 22, with 20 suspects apprehended across South Africa.

The case was opened in Mpumalanga in February 2020, with government officials and service providers from the province’s Department of Education (DoE) accused of fraud, theft and money laundering.

Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber shared details during a media briefing at their offices, today.

“In 2019 we received reports that officials [actioned] emergency repairs and maintenance on 21 schools in rural areas. Some of these repairs were effected in a small manner, but the prices for the approved tenders were highly inflated and service providers were hand-picked, meaning supply chain processes were not followed,” Gerber stated.

He added that contractors and officials allegedly worked together, and investigations indicate a total of R130 million was distributed through money-laundering activities involving government officials and their family members, who benefited from the funds.

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The Hawks arrest a suspect at his home in Barberton. > Video: Gia Radnai #hawksoperation #barberton

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A total of 17 service providers have been identified and will be arrested along with 21 DoE officials among others.

The suspects include a former acting head of department, a chief director of implementation, a director of planning and a former acting chief financial officer.

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The Hawks plan to arrest a total of 40 suspects, including several in the Western Cape, Limpopo and Gauteng.

“We will continue with our arrests and expect some of the suspects to come forward with their lawyers,” said Gerber.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, February 23.