Man who absconded after UIF fraud arrest, found in Gauteng with UIF claim forms
Bogus employee of the Department of Employment and Labour, Kwena Mohlala, 42, has been remanded in custody until 28 October for a formal bail application following his recent arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks.
Mohlala was arrested in the early hours of Saturday at Ivory Park in Gauteng by members of the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Corruption Investigation unit.
His arrest followed a warrant that had been outstanding since he absconded from court proceedings related to fraud involving fake Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims.
Background of the case
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Mohlala had previously been arrested in February 2022 in Piet Retief after he allegedly approached an employee of the Department of Employment and Labour, asking the official to misuse his authority to process fraudulent UIF payments.
He reportedly promised to share the proceeds with the employee.
The employee alerted the Hawks, who then monitored a meeting between the two. During that meeting, Mohlala allegedly handed over five fraudulent UIF claim forms containing the details of applicants from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.
He was arrested at the scene and appeared before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court, where he was released on bail. However, he later failed to return to court, prompting the issuance of a new warrant of arrest.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the warrant was executed between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.
“During his arrest, he was found with a notebook containing numerous identity numbers and bank accounts, as well as uncompleted UIF claim forms,” Nkosi said.
Provincial Hawks head praises investigation team
Provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, said Mohlala’s conduct showed that he had continued with his illegal activities despite the earlier arrest.
“The suspect’s actions are an indication that he has not ceased his activities. He must answer before court how he obtained the personal details of people, some of whom have never met him before,” Gerber said.
He commended the investigative team, adding that more information is expected to emerge as the case proceeds.
Mohlala is scheduled to reappear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on 28 October for his bail application.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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