Sfiso Khumalo re-arrested in Kabokweni after being on the run

MPUMALANGA –Sfiso Johannes Khumalo (41) was re-arrested by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga on Thursday 02 June 2022 from his hiding place around Kabokweni Mpumalanga. Khumalo was previously sought and published on media on 06 October 2020 for Rockdale Middelburg Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and rearrested on 01 March 2021 by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga assisted by members of Crime Intelligence and he was released on R10 000.00 bail on 30 March 2021 and appeared before court several times and later evaded court.  

During the previous arrest the accused was recapped about the warning he was previously assumed and ordered to appear before the Middelburg Court on the 24 July 2020 and he did not honour the order and absconded resulting in warrant of arrest issued against him.

It is alleged that in October 2018, Sylvia Nyandeni (43) an employee of Steve Tshwete Municipality allegedly colluded with Khumalo to defraud applicants of RDP houses in Middelburg. Nyandeni misrepresented herself as having the authority to receive money from the destitute applicants. The defrauded victims were given a bank account of Khumalo to deposit the funds which amounted to just over R700 000.

The pair reportedly shared the proceeds afterwards.  Nyandeni  and Khumalo were summoned to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 24 July 2020, however only Nyandeni managed to honour the court appearance whilst Khumalo sent a sick note stating that he was not feeling well. The court ordered that Khumalo appear alongside Nyandeni on the follow-up date which was scheduled for 20 August 2020, he was informed accordingly but he once again absconded.

During the previous arrest, he was once again given the same orders when he was released on bail on 30 March 2021 but still he did not honour the order. The new warrant of arrest was issued.  His co accused Sylvia Nyandeni (43) appeared in Middelburg Magistrate Court on 23 March 2022 without him. The case was postponed to 4 May 2022 to locate Khumalo and it was further postponed to 28 May 2022 as he was not yet found.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena appreciated the effort of the investigating officer, assistance of media and members of the public for playing their part in locating Khumalo who was re-arrested from his hiding place on the night of Thursday, 02 June 2022. Major General Mokoena further assured the public that the police and judiciary will deal rigorously with anyone who try to mislead the court by false information in order to get bail. Major General Mokoena confirmed that the accused will appear before the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 06 June 2022. 

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