08/01/2026
π¨ Hawks Nab Three More in Tzaneen UIF Corruption Scandal π¨
Tzaneen, Limpopo | 8 January 2026
The Hawks π¦
have intensified their crackdown on corruption after arresting three more suspects in a growing UIF fraud investigation linked to the Department of Employment and Labour in Tzaneen.
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Hawksβ Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Phalaborwa arrested three women aged between 40 and 60. The suspects are facing charges of fraud, corruption, and related offences βοΈ.
Investigators allege that between January and May 2025, officials at the Tzaneen labour office were tipped off about suspicious UIF claim activities π©. A detailed investigation later revealed that a departmental official allegedly worked hand-in-hand with an external company to submit fraudulent UIF claims on behalf of beneficiaries.
π° In return, those involved are believed to have received kickbacks and other forms of gratification, draining public funds meant to assist unemployed South Africans.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly caused financial losses exceeding R825,000, money that should have gone to workers in distress π‘.
π This latest breakthrough follows December 2025 arrests, where eight suspects β including labour department officials and company representatives β were taken into custody as part of the same investigation.
The newly arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrateβs Court soon, while the Hawks confirm that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow π.
Authorities have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing the need to protect social relief funds like the UIF ππΈ.
π The case once again exposes the risks of internal collusion and fraud within public institutions, highlighting the urgent need for stronger oversight and effective whistleblower protection in government departments.
