Polokwane: The fight against corruption-related crimes gained momentum after the Limpopo Provincial Commercial Crime Unit arrested three suspects, including a woman, aged between 37 and 48, for allegedly defrauding one of the biggest construction companies in South Africa of over R12 million. The suspects were arrested on separate occasions: two on Saturday, 01 March 2025, and the third on Monday, 03 March 2025.
According to South African Police Service, it is alleged that in July 2023, while employed at Hillary Company in the Westenburg policing area, the trio generated fraudulent invoices to order equipment, diverting a total of R12,500,000 (twelve million five hundred thousand rand) for personal gain. The fraud was later discovered and reported to the Westenburg Police Station by the company.
Following a thorough investigation, the first suspect, Given Victor Mathebula (31), was arrested in Tzaneen. The second suspect, a 48-year-old woman, Simnikiwe Ndinisa, was arrested in Seshego, while Demala Ndou (41) voluntarily surrendered to the police.
The suspects appeared before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 March 2025, where they were each granted bail of R50,000. Their case has been postponed to 9 April 2025 for further police investigations.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team for their commitment, stating: ‘Corruption will not be tolerated. Those who dare challenge the authority of the state will be dealt with accordingly.’