Three individuals linked to Global Strike Security, a private security company, have found themselves in the legal spotlight following their arrest for allegedly defrauding mining giant Anglo American Platinum of R6.3 million. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation—more commonly known as the Hawks—confirmed that the trio submitted dozens of fake invoices for services never rendered, spanning almost three years.
The accused, Wanda van Zyl (57), a former director of the company, and payroll administrators Monidue Nel (52) and Ruan van Zyl (23), were apprehended on Monday, 19 May 2025. They have since appeared in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court, facing 26 counts of fraud.
According to Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks, the alleged scam took place between 20 December 2018 and 20 September 2021. During this period, over 33 false claims were reportedly submitted to Anglo American Platinum, which led to the company losing more than R6.3 million.
It all came to light when Anglo American Platinum detected discrepancies and launched an internal forensic investigation. What they found was a pattern of manipulation involving inflated or entirely fabricated invoices. The findings were then reported to the Mahwelereng police station and later escalated to the Hawks, who took over the case.
“The investigation confirmed that these were deliberate acts of fraud,” Mmuroa explained. “A total of four individuals from Global Strike Security were implicated in the scheme—three of whom have been arrested. The fourth suspect, unfortunately, passed away before arrest warrants were issued.”
The suspects reportedly cooperated with authorities and handed themselves over to the Hawks. After their brief court appearance, the case was postponed to 20 May 2025 for a formal bail application.
The seriousness of the charges—and the methodical way the fraud was carried out—highlight a troubling vulnerability in corporate supply chains and contractor oversight, especially when millions are at stake. The Hawks, in this case, moved swiftly once the NPA authorised the warrants of arrest, reflecting a growing intolerance toward white-collar crime in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Another Fraud Case Grips Limpopo
In an unrelated but equally disturbing case, the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Polokwane has sentenced Serage Martin Lubenga (28) and Rhoda Mirembe (33) to 15 years in prison each. The duo was found guilty of defrauding a 39-year-old Limpopo woman out of R650,000 in a so-called “dating scam.”
According to court proceedings, Lubenga established a relationship with the victim in 2023. He later introduced her to Mirembe, who pretended to be a prophet named “Alice.” Preying on the victim’s hopes for financial breakthrough, Mirembe claimed the woman would receive R4 million—but only if she paid 10% of that amount upfront.
The woman, desperate for financial security, handed over R650,000 and even provided her personal documents for what was described as a “financial blessing ceremony.” Unsurprisingly, the promised millions never materialised. What did follow, however, was a criminal case and ultimately justice served.
The court condemned the scam as both cruel and predatory, with the judge noting that exploiting emotional vulnerability for financial gain cannot be tolerated.
White-Collar Crime in Focus
These two cases—although different in execution—underscore a broader pattern of financial fraud in South Africa. From corporate fraud involving inflated invoices to confidence tricks dressed in the guise of romance and religion, criminals continue to adapt and exploit gaps in trust and accountability.
Authorities have urged both businesses and individuals to be more vigilant and to report suspicious financial activity promptly. The Hawks and NPA have, in turn, pledged to maintain pressure on fraudsters, regardless of their methods.
As the cases proceed through the courts, the public will be watching closely—not just for justice, but for lessons that could prevent similar crimes in the future.
