Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
21 November 2024
Violet Veleleni Mabena (57), Department of Home Affairs official, appeared before the Kwa-Mhlanga Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, after she was arrested by the Hawks, Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation unit on the same day for Contravention of Prevention Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12/2004 Section 4.
It is alleged that on 10 0ctober 2021, the complainant received information that there is an official who can assist him to obtain an identity document. The complainant approached the official asking for assistance and the official agreed to assist him for a fee of R20.000. The money was paid to the official.
The official then solicited assistance from a lady she once assisted to obtain a birth certificate for her stepson.
The lady was allegedly made to sign the forms to obtain the identity document for the complainant with the fingerprint of the stepson.
The whistle-blower informed the Hawks, and an investigation was instituted and finalised. A J50 Warrant of arrest was authorised and executed at the suspect`s work place in the presence of her boss and colleagues. She was arrested, charged and appeared before the Kwa-Mhlanga Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 19 November 2024 and granted R3000 bail.
The case was remanded to Regional Court for 6 December 2024 for further investigation.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Gerber applauded the investigative team for the speedy finalisation of the investigation which led to the arrest of Mabena.
The General further said that, “ As the Hawks we shall investigate and bring perpetrators of crime to justice, without fear and favor.
Home Affairs is
especially vulnerable to corruption. Officials who abuse their power for personal gain, will be investigated with the full might of the law!”He concluded.
