Cape Town – Three women have been arrested in Limpopo in connection with an alleged fraud and corruption scheme that cost the Department of Labour more than R825 000, the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit has confirmed.
According to the Hawks, the suspects, aged between 40 and 60, were apprehended in Tzaneen following an intensive probe into fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims processed at the Department of Labour’s local office.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the arrests on Wednesday form part of an ongoing investigation into corruption-related offences linked to UIF payments.
“It is alleged that during the period between January and May 2025, officials from the Department of Labour received information about fraudulent activities taking place at their Tzaneen-based office,” Mmuroa said.
#sapsHAWKS Phalaborwa based #Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation arrested three additional female suspects between the ages of 40 and 60 years for alleged corruption related offences. The suspects were apprehended on 07/01 at Tzaneen.
One of the officials colluded with a… pic.twitter.com/AVkTqs03Re— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 8, 2026
Investigators allege that one departmental official colluded with a private company to submit fraudulent UIF claims on behalf of beneficiaries in exchange for gratification, resulting in losses to the department exceeding R825 000.
“As a result of this alleged collusion, the Department of Labour suffered a loss of over R825 000,” Mmuroa added.
Once a formal case was opened, the Hawks traced and arrested the three suspects in a coordinated operation.
They are expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 8 January 2026, facing charges including fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering.
The arrests follow earlier detentions related to the same investigation, with additional accused having appeared in court in December 2025 and granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R20 000. Their next court date is scheduled for 20 February 2026.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
