Latest news with #MagonseniNkosi
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Bogus lawyer ordered to pay back murder accused client's R40k
The fake lawyer was rearrested after his sentencing for another fraud case in Gauteng. A 32-year-old man has been ordered to pay back money he received unlawfully from a client while posing as a lawyer back in 2019. On Thursday, the Bethal Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga instructed Doctor Sobetha to pay back R40 000 he received from a client that he tried to conduct a bail application for. Four-year sentence Sobetha has been ordered to pay the client – who was charged with murder – R3 000 in monthly instalments until the last cent is paid up. According to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), the order to pay back the money was made in addition to a sentence of four years behind bars, with the option to pay a R20 000 fine. This was after the bogus lawyer pleaded guilty to the charges. 'Two years of his four-year imprisonment were suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar offence,' Hawks regional spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said. Sobetha arrested in court The bogus lawyer was arrested after a state prosecutor found fault in his arguments during court proceedings. Sobetha was then asked to prove that he was a legal practitioner before the court, but failed to do so. ALSO READ: Bogus doctor bust in Havenside sting operation He was arrested by members of the Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime investigation unit who were in attendance. Hawks nab bogus lawyer in KZN 'The matter was referred to the Hawks Secunda-based Serious Commercial Crime investigation unit for further investigation. The suspect, Sobetha, was granted bail in 2024 and never set foot in court again,' Nkosi said. 'Investigation led members of the Hawks' tactical operations management system to Durban, where the suspect was arrested on 22 May 2025.' Sobetha was brought back to Mpumalanga, where he first appeared in the Bethal Magistrate's Court on 30 May. Sobetha rearrested after sentencing He was rearrested immediately after sentencing on Thursday for a fraud case in Moroka, Gauteng, dating back to 2023. He is now in police custody in Gauteng. Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber warned people to only consult with registered legal advisers. 'It is concerning if people are defrauded by people like Sobetha whose formal education does not even go beyond high school level,' Gerber said. NOW READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises
IOL News
21-05-2025
- IOL News
R5 million fraud: Court orders forfeiture of house and vehicles linked to Covid-19 looting
The High Court in Mpumalanga has granted a forfeiture order for authorities to seize several assets including a house and vehicles which were acquired fraudulently through funds meant to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Image: File The High Court in Mbombela has issued a forfeiture order which empowers law enforcement officials to seize several assets which were acquired fraudulently through funds meant to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The Mpumalanga Department of Health lost millions of rand during the Covid-19 pandemic as an official working in a director's office engaged in fraudulent activities. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said through the secretary's fraudulent activities, the provincial department suffered a loss of almost R5 million in 2020. 'According to information, the secretary colluded with two service providers and allegedly faked the purchase and delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result, the service providers unlawfully benefitted from the products that were never delivered,' said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. After receiving the payments, it was established that the service providers purchased a residential property worth R1.5 million in Barberton. The house was registered in a company named Zanderson Establishment, with the sole director being the secretary's daughter. 'The house was later sold for the same amount. Shortly thereafter, the family bought another residential house in Sunninghill, Johannesburg,' said Nkosi. 'The house was then registered in the company named SS Umoya under the former secretary's name, Sanele Sanderson.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ After thorough investigations, the Hawks' asset investigation unit in Mpumalanga successfully obtained a preservation order to forfeit the house and three vehicles. Nkosi stated that the forfeited house is valued at R1.5 million, along with three vehicles owned by the two service providers. The forfeited vehicles include a Toyota Quantum, Hyundai light delivery vehicle, and a Volkswagen Golf. The vehicles have an estimated combined value of R1 million. Meanwhile, provincial head of Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber said the Hawks will continue with the criminal investigation. 'Benefits derived from proceeds of crime, as is the case in this matter, will be traced , restrained, forfeited and sold to recoup the state's losses. This is a clear example of law enforcement entities working in collaboration with one another,' said Gerber. The asset forfeiture unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the asset investigation section of the Hawks collaborated and ensured the successful forfeiture of the property. 'This must send a stern message that we will seize assets no matter how it is disguised, if they are bought through proceeds of crime. Crime must not pay,' said Gerber. Provincial head of Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber said the Hawks will continue with the criminal investigation after the forfeiture of assets. Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Newspapers Last year, IOL reported that various movable and immovable assets and property, valued at approximately R52.6 million were seized in an extensive joint operation linked to personal protective equipment corruption and Covid-19 looting. The operation was carried out in Mpumalanga by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the Hawks. The assets and properties are linked to 22 senior management officials, service providers, and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works. IOL News
IOL News
19-05-2025
- IOL News
Hawks arrest Nigerian man for drug dealing after he was released on bail for similar crime
Police said the Nigerian man, aged 40, was previously arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs in 2021 and was released on bail. Image: File/Hawks A 40-year-old Nigerian national has been arrested in Bethal, Mpumalanga for dealing in drugs, according to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks. Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi stated that the 40-year-old man was previously arrested for dealing in drugs. 'The suspect is currently out on bail on a separate but similar offence of dealing in drugs after he was arrested alongside 11 other suspects in Bethal in a Hawks Operation Dream On in June 2021,' said Nkosi. On Friday, the Nigerian national was arrested in a joint operation emanating from intelligence driven information including the Secunda crime intelligence unit, the Hawks Secunda-based serious organised crime investigation unit and the Secunda K9 unit. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. During the arrest, Nkosi said the 40-year-old man was found in possession of seven plastic bags of substances believed to be crystal meth, two plastic bags of substances believed to be kat as well as close to R10,000 in cash. 'The team proceeded to the suspect's residential place where his 34-year-old companion was found without any legal documents to be in South Africa,' said Nkosi. The arrested duo is expected to appear before the Bethal Magistrate's Court on Monday, 19 May 2025, for dealing in drugs and for contravention of the Immigration Act. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber has welcomed the arrest, adding that a thorough investigation will be conducted. "We are not only interested in getting drugs off the streets, but our main focus is on the origin of drugs. Once we deal with manufacturers, we will have achieved our mission of rooting out drug related activities in the province," said Gerber. In February, IOL reported that five drug dealers were convicted and sentenced in Limpopo for drug-related offences and contravention of South Africa's Immigration Act. At the time, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said the five men were convicted by the Musina Regional Court. The Hawks listed the convicted men as Eze Chekuebwe Aloicios, 42; Chimankpam Prosper Ashame, 53; Dube Lebang David, 40; Chigozie Henry Okoro; and Okeke Peter Richard, 52. 'During 2021, the Musina-based Hawks serious organised crime investigation (unit) received a tip-off about suspicious people who were dealing in illicit drugs around Musina. The investigation was launched and the Hawks managed to identify accused, and the address of their operations,' said Mmuroa. IOL News
![Hawks find third hidden drug lab in Standerton crackdown [PICS]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.citizen.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FHawks-find-third-hidden-drug-lab-in-Standerton-crackdown.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks find third hidden drug lab in Standerton crackdown [PICS]
A third underground lab has been uncovered in Standerton, revealing machinery and chemicals believed to be used in drug production. Hawks seize more drug equipment and hold eight suspects after uncovering a third lab in Standerton. Picture: Supplied. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) uncovered a third clandestine laboratory in Standerton, Mpumalanga, just one month after two laboratories and a warehouse containing chemicals used for drug manufacturing were also discovered in the town. Last month, two labs were discovered on Mahonie Street and Rooikopen farm, identified as a warehouse containing chemicals believed to be used in drug manufacturing. The authorities kept all three sites as active crime scenes until a cleaning company, supported by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks Supply Chain Management, and Standerton police, cleaned and purified the areas. Underground lab entrance found under containers Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said that before the cleaning process could start, the Hawks received information that there was an entrance to an underground laboratory underneath one of the containers. 'The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up the clues whereby the underground entrance was identified,' Nkosi said. Hawks seize more drug equipment and hold eight suspects after uncovering a third lab in Standerton. Picture: Supplied. ALSO READ: Foreigners arrested for selling prohibited items and drug trafficking 'Machinery believed to be used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, drums, and plastic containers filled with substances was recovered.' The Hawks cannot confirm the value of the retrieved chemicals and equipment until they conduct further investigation. Police are currently guarding the scene to allow the Forensic Science Laboratory (Chemistry) to analyse the recovered machinery and substances. Police guarding scene Major General Nico Gerber, the head of the Mpumalanga provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, applauded members for following up on the information and uncovering further drug consignments. Hawks seize more drug equipment and hold eight suspects after uncovering a third lab in Standerton. Picture: Supplied. 'The Hawks will leave no stone uncovered to dismantle the enterprise and the associated structures,' Nkosi said. ALSO READ: I'm a prisoner in my own home' – Living next door to an alleged drug den When the first laboratory was found, six Mozambican suspects, aged 19 to 60, were arrested after they were found with chemicals and machinery worth about R20 million. When the Hawks discovered the second lab, they arrested two South Africans. Nkosi confirmed that all eight suspects remain behind bars following their arrests. In April 2025, law enforcement officials also seized eleven vehicles—including high-performance luxury cars—and millions of rands.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks uncover another underground drug lab on Standerton farm
Police uncovered another drug lab on Rooikoppen farm, Standerton, yesterday. According to Ridge Times, this comes just over a month after two clandestine laboratories in Mahonie Street and Rooikoppen farm, as well as a warehouse with chemicals believed to be used in drug manufacturing, were found. According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, these three sites remained active crime scenes until a cleaning company was appointed through the assistance of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks Supply Chain Management, and Standerton SAPS to clean and purify the areas. 'The Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation [Unit] received information before the cleaning process could commence that underneath one of the containers, there was an entrance to the underground laboratory. 'The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up the clues and identified the underground entrance.' Nkosi says machinery believed to be used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, drums, and plastic containers filled with substances were recovered. The Hawks cannot confirm the value of the recovered equipment and chemicals, pending further investigation. 'Currently, the scene is under police guard to allow the Forensic Science Laboratory to analyse the recovered machinery and substances,' adds Nkosi. Two South African nationals and six Mozambican nationals remain behind bars following their arrest during the first two recoveries. Eleven vehicles, including high-performance luxury vehicles, and millions of rands were seized in April. Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber applauded members for following up on the information and uncovering further drug consignments. He says the Hawks will leave no stone unturned in dismantling the enterprise and its associated structures. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
