The Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have arrested two officials in connection with the theft of almost R18 million from the Guardian’s Fund.
Two KZN officials jailed for R18 million Guardian’s Fund
The arrests follow an investigation into unauthorised payments made through the fund’s online system in April 2023.
The suspects, aged in their 30s and 40s, face charges of fraud and money laundering. They are accused of receiving funds illegally siphoned off from the Guardian’s Fund.
As the case unfolds, the Hawks’ Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation division has indicated that more arrests are likely in the near future.
So far, authorities have managed to recover approximately R7 million of the stolen money.
This recovery effort is part of the ongoing investigation aimed at bringing all individuals involved in this scheme to justice.
The investigation into this case is ongoing, with the Hawks utilising a range of resources to track down and apprehend those responsible for the fraud.
As the legal process unfolds, the suspects are expected to appear in court, where they will be formally unveiled.
The Guardian’s Fund is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
This fund is designed to hold and manage money on behalf of individuals who are legally incapable of managing their own affairs, such as minors, certain persons deemed to be legally incapacitated, and missing or absent persons.
The primary purpose of the Guardian’s Fund is to safeguard these funds and ensure that they are available and managed effectively for the benefit of their rightful beneficiaries.