Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 30 April 2026

CourtordersR632kassetforfeitureinestatefraudcase

THEAsset Forfeiture order was securedbythe Directorate for Priority CrimeInvestigation together with the National Prosecuting Authority, in amatter involvingfraud and unlawful deprivationofrightful beneficiariesofa deceased estate.

The order was significantly granted by the Mthatha High Court on April 21, 2026.

Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said it is alleged that in June 2024, Nomvo Yako (41), asister

of the deceased,deliberately and unlawfully misrepresented material factswhenapplying fora Letter of Authority at the Master ofHighCourt in Mthatha

"In her application,she reportedlyconcealedthe existence of the deceased'schildren as the lawful beneficiaries of the estate.

“Itisfurther alleged thatthe accused falselydeclared that her late brotherhad no dependants.Subsequently, the culprit reportedly obtained the Letter of Authorityand proceeded to

lodgeaclaim with the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) fromwhich she unlawfully received an amount of R59 900.71, in additiontoaccrued interest of R76 996.33.

"The funds were deposited into aFirst National Bank estate account,"saidMhlakuvana.

He added that the case was reported to the Mthatha Hawks Serious CorruptionInvestigation and subsequently referred to the Hawks' PCSI fora comprehensive financial investigation According to Mhlakuvana, in-

vestigations revealed that the accused ostensibly extended her fraudulent conduct to theDepartmentofHealthbyapproaching Isilimela Hospital in Port St Johns, wherethe deceased had been employed and claimed leave gratuityofR32 998.95, which was paid into her personal account

"The totalproceeds of unlawful activities, amounting to R632 533.52, have since been subjected to aforfeiture order and will be redirected to therightful beneficiaries, which are thechil-

BABALWA NDLANYA

IN asignificant step toward strengthening small businesses andfosteringinclusive economic growth, the Mayor of Dr AB XumaLocal Municipality in Ngcobo, Councillor Siyabulela Zangqa, officially handed over essential trading equipment to 65 local hawkers in Ngcobo operating across various sectors.

Aspokesperson for Dr AB XumaLocal Municipality, Zintle Bobelo, said these include fastfood services, sewingenterprises,trolley operations and salon services, all of which play an important role in supporting everydaylivelihoods within the community.

"The initiative was implemented through the Municipality's Local Economic Development (LED) Unit,SpecialProgrammes Unit andthe Ngcobo Hawkers Association. It reflects the Municipality's continuedefforts to support small-scale businesses and expand economicopportunities for localresidents,"Bobelo said.

She added that through the provision of essential equipment, the programme is designed to help hawkers strengthen their daily operations,grow their customerbase, and build more sustainablesources of income.

Beneficiaries expressed optimism about the opportunities the support will unlock, particularly in enabling themtoexpand their services and attract more customers.

"Addressing the recipients, Zangqa emphasised the impor-

tance of using the equipment responsiblyand effectively.He encouraged beneficiaries to view the support not only as assistancebut also as an investment in their futuregrowth and sustainability.

“The handover marks Phase One of the Municipality'sbroader empowerment programme. Officials confirmed that plans arealready in place to extend the initiativeinthe upcoming financial year,ensuring that

hawkers whowere notincluded in this phasewill have an opportunitytobenefit in thenext round," Bobelo said She added that this was not the first time themunicipality has implemented suchaninitia-

dren of thedeceased, who were intentionally prejudiced by the accused's actions.

“The accused is scheduled to reappear in court on May 29, 2026, wherecriminal proceedings will continue."

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major GeneralObed Ngwenya expressed his gratitude to bothcriminal and financial investigators for ensuring that funds which were intended for thedeceased children have been returned to thelawful recipients.

tive

She said theMunicipality has consistentlydemonstrated its commitment to supporting and developing small businesses within its jurisdiction.

"This supportisongoing and includesthe provisionofagriculturalinputs, workshop capacity-buildingsessions andassistancethroughtrading essentials andequipment We recognise theimportance of sustainability andhave put measures in place to monitor supportedprojects. Follow-up processesare conductedtoencourage compliance andthe appropriate use of theresources provided."

Bobelo addedthatthis is partofabroader, ongoing programme of support. The municipality hascontinuouslyrolled outinitiatives aimedatempowering small businesses across various sectors.

According to her, beneficiaries of these programmesinclude local spazashopowners, small-scale farmers, as well as youth-ownedand women-owned businesses.

"The municipality strongly discouragesany misuse of the supportprovided. These resources areintended to empower beneficiariesand promote sustainable livelihoods within thecommunity. Beneficiaries areencouraged to utilise the equipmentand materials responsibly for their intended purpose, as this notonlybenefits their individual businesses butalsocontributestolocal economicdevelopment."