Eastern Cape woman arrested for fraudulently claiming over R700,000 intended for late brother's children
A 40-year-old Eastern Cape woman in connection with an alleged estate and pension fraud scheme in which more than R700,000 intended for her late brother’s children was unlawfully claimed.
Nomvo Yako was arrested on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by the Mthatha Serious Corruption Crime Investigation Unit also known as the Hawks, following an intensive investigation into the administration of a deceased estate.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, Yako allegedly applied for a letter of authority at the Master of the High Court in Mthatha while misrepresenting key facts.
Fumba said investigations revealed that Yako allegedly concealed the existence of her brother’s children and falsely declared that there were no dependants, despite knowing otherwise, in order to benefit from the estate.
“Hawks investigations revealed that after obtaining the letter of authority, the suspect allegedly submitted a claim to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). As a result, an amount of R599, 000, together with interest of R76,996, was paid into an estate bank account,” said Fumba.
Further investigations revealed that Yako also allegedly claimed leave gratuity benefits, resulting in an additional payment of R32,998 being deposited into her personal bank account.
“The total amount allegedly received exceeds R700,000, funds that were legally due to the deceased’s children,” Fumba added.
Yako appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of fraud.
She was granted bail of R2,000, and the case was postponed to 25 February 2026 for further investigation.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, warned that law enforcement would not tolerate the manipulation of estate and pension systems for personal gain, particularly where vulnerable beneficiaries are affected.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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