The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements says it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its housing allocation system following the arrest of two suspects, including one of its employees, in connection with an alleged assassination plot.

The department’s statement follows the arrest of an administrative clerk and an alleged accomplice by the Hawks. The pair are accused of targeting a senior departmental official for allegedly blocking the illegal sale of low-cost houses to people who were not legitimate beneficiaries.

Department spokesperson Tahir Sema says the department does not tolerate corruption and has begun internal processes against the employee.

Sema says, “The department confirms that one of the arrested suspects is an administrative clerk employed within the department. In line with the applicable labour relations prescripts, the department is taking the necessary internal steps to deal with this matter in parallel with the criminal process. As the matter is now before the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court, the department will not comment further on the merits of the case, on the guilt or innocence of those charged or on any.”

The Hawks say members of the East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit disrupted the alleged plot during a multi-disciplinary operation.

Authorities also seized a cache of military-grade firearms and ammunition.

The accused, Thulani Collen Ndwandwe (49) and Tonia Mphemba Hlongwane (48), appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody. They are expected to return to court on 13 July for a formal bail application.

#sapsHAWKS [HAWKS SMASH SYNDICATE PLOTTING TO ASSASSINATE HOUSING DIRECTOR] In a breakthrough against corruption and violent crime, members of the #Hawks’ East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) have successfully disrupted a sophisticated plot to assassinate a… pic.twitter.com/ld53LgScuE

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) July 7, 2026

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