A bogus employee of the Department of Employment and Labour, identified as Kwena Mohlala (42), has been remanded in custody until 28 October after being rearrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in Gauteng.
Mohlala was arrested in the early hours of Saturday at Ivory Park, following a warrant that had been outstanding since he absconded from court proceedings related to a fraud case involving fake Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims.
Background of the Case
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Mohlala was first arrested in February 2022 in Piet Retief after allegedly approaching a Department of Labour employee to process fraudulent UIF payments in exchange for a share of the proceeds.
The employee immediately alerted the Hawks, who arranged a sting operation. During a monitored meeting, Mohlala handed over five fraudulent UIF claim forms containing personal details of individuals from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.
He was arrested at the scene and appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court, where he was released on bail. However, he later failed to appear for subsequent proceedings, prompting a new warrant of arrest.
Re-Arrest and Evidence Found
During his recent arrest, investigators found a notebook containing multiple identity numbers and bank account details, along with uncompleted UIF claim forms, indicating that Mohlala may have continued his illegal activities even after absconding.
Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that the arrest was executed between Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Hawks Commend Investigative Team
Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, praised the team for their persistence and warned that more charges could follow.
“The suspect’s actions are an indication that he has not ceased his criminal operations. He must explain before court how he obtained personal details of people, many of whom have never met him,” said Gerber.
Mohlala is expected to reappear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on 28 October for his formal bail application.
