Hawks officer held in cash theft case

THE commander of a Hawks serious anti-corruption unit in Mpumalanga has been arrested after a probe into the alleged theft of R439 900.

Captain Richard Nkwanyana‚ 48‚ handed himself over to the Hawks’ Middelburg Organised Unit members on Monday.

Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the National Intervention Unit from Cape Town had seized two cash amounts – R232 400 and R164 500 – from two different suspects in May last year.

When there was no evidence linking the suspects to a crime, they turned to the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court to have the money – which was supposed to be in safekeeping – returned.

“It, however, transpired that the money had allegedly vanished and Captain Nkwanyama, who took responsibility to safeguard the cash, gave different statements,” Mulaudzi said.

“An investigation was launched and it was discovered that another R43 000 from a different case was also allegedly missing from R118 000 in cash that was supposed to be forfeited to the state.”

Nkwanyana appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court and was released on R5 000 bail.

He has been barred from entering any Hawks offices.

He is expected in court again on October 17‚ facing charges of theft and defeating the ends of justice.

Hawks acting national head Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata said the unethical actions of a few members would not be allowed to undermine the hard work of honest and dedicated members.

“Individuals who continue to undermine the efforts of others must be identified‚ punished and separated from the good men and women of the Hawks.

“I have ordered that the member be suspended.”