Hawks hunt two Middelburg suspects for money laundering
it is alleged the suspects paid money into the accounts of field rangers and their families.
Martin Prince Lekhuleni (37) and Eunice Lekhuleni (24) are still being sought by the Middelburg-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in connection with suspected money laundering.
The two escaped during an arrest of nine suspects during a multidisciplinary integrated take-down operation, Blood Orange, on the early hours of December 2.
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The provincial Hawks head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, urged Martin and Eunice to hand themselves over to the investigating officer.
This follows a comprehensive investigation that included the duo’s financial affairs. International auditing and tax company KPMG was co-opted to do the financial investigation of the money flow into and out of the suspects’ accounts.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, it is alleged that the Lekhulenis had paid money into the accounts of field rangers and their families in return for tactical information in the Kruger National Park to assist poaching syndicates.
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Meanwhile, the bail applications of the families of two former Kruger National Park field rangers were granted. Members of the family of former field ranger Chikwa David Maluleke – Joyce Maluleke (51), Stephinah Mbhombi (52), Oters Maluleke (27), Miyelani Maluleke (29) and Nkhesane Maluleke (22) – were released on R5 000 bail each.
The family of Solly Ubisi, another former field ranger – Thandi Makhuvele (37), Alsina Mkhonto (61), Ignatia Mnisi (36) and Given Mzimba (28) – were released on R3 000 bail each.
The case was postponed to January 27 for further investigation.
Anyone with information on the investigation is urged to contact the Hawks’ investigating officer, Colonel Danie Hall, on 071 481 3281.
