East London: The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting four more suspects, aged between 31 and 58, in connection with land claim fraud allegations. These arrests were executed by the East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in both East London and Western Cape on 14 March 2025.
According to South African Police Service, the four newly apprehended individuals join previously arrested accomplices Funeka Malusi (56), a senior government official, along with Chulumanco Malusi (25), Avukile Gxalo (54), Zoliswa Manditsa (47), Zoleka Mbinambina (55), Nokuthembela Hope Malgas (45), Luvuyo Vika (54), and Lungela Malusi (46). These eight suspects were taken into custody by the Hawks in 2024, with Funeka released on R30,000 bail and others on R10,000 each.
The arrests are the result of a Hawks investigation into fraudulent land claims that allegedly took place between 2017 and 2024. A senior official from the East London Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs is accused of collaborating with relatives to falsely approve and submit land claims. The investigation revealed unlawful amendments to the list of claimants, substituting legitimate claimants’ details with those of her relatives, including her domestic worker.
It has been alleged that lawful beneficiaries of the land claims did not receive any payments, while the official’s relatives were improperly compensated. Information provided to the Hawks prompted their investigation, which uncovered that the senior official altered land claims and beneficiary banking details, directing payments to her relatives. This malpractice reportedly cost the Department of Land Affairs more than R9.3 million.
A warrant for the arrest of the four additional suspects was issued and executed on 14 March 2025. They are scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrates court on 17 March 2025.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the SCI investigating team for their determination in apprehending the suspects and ensuring they face justice.