A Limpopo businesswoman whose company is behind the controversial Limpopo temporary shacks and a project manager have been arrested by the Hawks for fraud.
The Hawks arrested the pair during a sting operation in different locations in Polokwane yesterday.
Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Capt Matimba Maluleke said the arrest related to the suspected low- quality Talana temporary shelters, after their investigations revealed fraudulent activities in the awarding of the tender.
"It is alleged that the director of the company allegedly tendered with fraudulent documents to be awarded the project. We have also arrested the project manager for Housing Development Agency, who is also facing a charge of fraud in the awarding of the tender," he said.
Maluleke said the two suspects were expected to appear in the Polokwane magistrate's court on Monday to face several charges of fraud.
During the operation, the Hawks went to the businesswoman's luxurious double storey house in the heart of one of the expensive suburbs in Polokwane. However, the drive became a futile exercise as she handed over herself at the Hawks offices.
The project manager was arrested at his workplace.
Maluleke said the arrest related to Talana projects only.
In August, Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha officially unveiled 40 shacks at Talana settlement that had cost the taxpayers R2.4m.
The businesswoman was also awarded a similar project to build 40 shacks in Apiesdoring outside Burgersfort, which remain unoccupied. Criminals have stripped doors, window frames, corrugated iron sheets and wooden floors.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.