KIMBERLEY – Officials within the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture face serious legal consequences after the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) arrested three suspects on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Two senior employees (aged 50 and 55) were apprehended at their workplace on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. A third suspect, a 61-year-old former senior employee, turned herself over to authorities the same morning.
The arrests stem from an irregular payment made by the department to an unnamed service provider. Despite receiving funds, no services were rendered in return. The payment was allegedly for the Umsombovu Youth Festival, scheduled for December 2016 in Colesberg. The festival ultimately did not take place, causing the department to suffer a loss of R1 million.
This is not the first time charges have been brought forth in this case. Previously, a company and its director were charged but the charges will be reinstated.
All suspects are set to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate Court on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Tags: Hawks