Hawks arrest 8 Labour Department Employees over UIF

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested eight Department of Labour employees and a company for alleged corruption-related offences linked to fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims in Limpopo.

The arrests were carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation units based in Phalaborwa and Musina between 15 and 17 December 2025.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 50, were apprehended in various parts of Limpopo and Gauteng following an extensive investigation.

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According to a Hawks media statement, the Department of Labour received information earlier this year regarding suspicious activities at its Tzaneen-based office.

Investigations revealed that officials allegedly colluded with a private company to submit fraudulent UIF claims on behalf of beneficiaries in exchange for gratification, commonly referred to as “tjotjo”.

As a result of the scheme, the Department of Labour suffered a financial loss exceeding R825 000. The matter was subsequently reported to the Hawks, who conducted a thorough investigation before submitting the docket to the State Advocate for a decision.

The eight accused appeared before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, facing charges of fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering. They were granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R20 000, and the case was postponed to 20 February 2026. 

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The accused are Zephaniah Chauke (38), Mikateko Khosa (40), Vutomi Pennic Chauke (38), Amukelani Clifford Ndimana, Mahlori Khanyi (26), Vonani Ronald Maringa (49), Nkhensani Ivy Chauke (48) and Idah Nkhensani Makamu (49).

Hawks Limpopo Provincial Head, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, commended the investigating team, warning that the operation is ongoing and more arrests are imminent.