The Hawks Arrest Seventh Suspect in Major Fraud Case

The South African crime-fighting squad, the Hawks, reported on Wednesday another arrest in the ongoing SA Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) fraud investigation. The seventh suspect, Mark Gabriel, 51, was arrested in relation to the alleged defrauding of SAHRA of over R53m.

The Bellville based Serious Corruption Investigation team led the arrest. Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, reported that Gabriel made a brief appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and theft.

Gabriel joins the group of defendants which includes former SAHRA CEO Veliswa Baduza, former SAHRA CFO Catherine Motsisi, former SAHRA chairperson Fani Aaron Makhanya, Anix Consulting CC chairperson Rhiyaan Cupido, his wife Weedad Cupido, a financial administrator at Anix, and their company.

It is alleged that during the 2010/2011 fiscal year, the accused conspired to defraud SAHRA by presenting substandard work causing the organization to lose over R53m. The funds had originally been allocated by the Department of Arts and Culture for the commemoration and recognition of South Africans' contributions within and outside the Republic of South Africa.

In a twist of irony, the fraudulent activities took place during the period meant for the rehabilitation of burial sites of South African heroes, an initiative to celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy and centenary celebrations of the First World War.

The funds inflow and outflow discrepancy was first noticed in 2017 when the actual expenditure for foreign and local graves' upgrade exceeded R54 million, while the allocated budget was R29.428 million, this led to a formal report to the Hawks in July 2017.

Following his court appearance, Gabriel was granted R5 000 bail. The case was postponed until November 14, where he will be joined by his co-accused.