Limpopo – The Hawks in Phalaborwa have arrested a 58-year-old company director and her company, along with a 49-year-old financial advisor, following an investigation into alleged fraud, corruption, and money laundering linked to the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) in Tzaneen.
According to Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale, the arrests were made on 17 March 2026 after the team received information about “sinister activities” at the SEDFA office.
“The Hawks in Phalaborwa received information about sinister activities which allegedly include theft, fraud, corruption and money laundering that are taking place at Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) office in Tzaneen,” Mogale said.
A search and seizure warrant was applied for, authorised, and executed at SEDFA offices on 24 April 2025, where electronic devices and documents were seized for further analysis.
Investigators found that an official had allegedly colluded with company directors, assisting with applications in exchange for kickbacks exceeding R800,000 from companies that received funding.
“Yesterday, 17 March 2026, the team made a breakthrough with the arrest of the pair who will make their first appearance in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering on 19 March 2026,” Mogale confirmed.
Major General Gopz Govender, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, warned public officials about misusing funds. “Serious Corruption Investigation will ensure you are brought to book,” he said.
Govender added that the Hawks would “leave no stone unturned” in the probe and that further arrests could not be ruled out.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by South African authorities to crack down on corruption and misuse of public funds in government funding agencies.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
