Cape Town – A 75-year-old woman and her alleged accomplices have become the centre of a disturbing food-crime investigation after the Hawks linked them to a scheme accused of distributing rotten and expired food to the public.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Wilhemina Jacoba (75) and Phakamani Hlongwane (36) handed themselves over to the Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team after their names surfaced in the probe.
They were allegedly connected to Pieter Grobler (31) and his relatives, Mark Lombard (29) and Sonnet Lombard (46), who were arrested earlier for the same operation.
Hawks spokespersons confirmed the pair’s first court appearance, saying: “Jacoba and Hlongwane appeared before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on 8 December 2025, where they were each granted R2 500 bail.”
They are required to return to court on 6 February 2026.
#sapsHAWKS Wilhemina Jacoba (75) and Phakamani Hlongwane (36) handed themselves over to the #Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation after they were linked to Pieter Grobler (31) and his family members Mark Lombard (29) and Sonnet Lombard (46) who were arrested… pic.twitter.com/1cxWxmVrj1
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 9, 2025
The arrests followed a tip-off about suspicious activity on a farm in Charl Cilliers outside Secunda. Hawks investigators say the site was being used to store and distribute expired and contaminated food, which was allegedly repackaged and sold to unsuspecting communities.
During Grobler’s initial arrest, officers seized several vehicles and cold-room equipment believed to have been used in the operation.
“Rotten and expired foodstuff not fit for human consumption was disposed of immediately,” the Hawks said.
All five accused are facing charges that include contravention of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, corruption, fraud and money laundering.
A senior Hawks officer emphasised that the investigation is far from over, stating: “We will continue fighting crime and stop illicit trade wherever it occurs. Anyone endangering people’s health for profit will be held accountable.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
