The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, has made a significant breakthrough with the arrest of two legal practitioners on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to incidents dating back to 2021.
According to information obtained during the investigation, the female suspect (40), who is the daughter-in-law of the co-accused (73), allegedly defrauded a businessperson of approximately R14 million under the pretext of facilitating the sale of a business site in Nelspruit.
Investigations further revealed that the funds were deposited into the bank account of the male suspect, her father-in-law, in what is believed to have been an attempt to conceal the proceeds of the alleged crime.
A lengthy and detailed investigation was conducted, during which investigators followed the financial trail, ultimately leading to the arrest of the two suspects.
The pair are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court once all administrative processes have been finalised.
It has also been established that the female suspect was previously arrested in connection with similar, unrelated cases.
“It was a complex and challenging case, which contributed to the duration of the investigation. However, we were committed to ensuring a thorough process to build a watertight case that will support successful prosecution,” said the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber.