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Hawks vehicle
A 42-year-old suspect arrested this morning in Petrus Steyn, Free State, on charges of fraud and impersonating the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
It is alleged that last year the suspect contacted a prominent Gauteng businessman via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be the national leader of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.
The suspect allegedly told the victim that his cell phone had been hacked and requested the victim’s personal information under the guise of assisting with a security breach.
It is alleged that last year, the suspect contacted a prominent Gauteng-based businessman via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be the Hawks’ National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya. The suspect allegedly told the victim that their mobile phone had been hacked and, under the guise of assisting with a security breach, requested the victim’s personal information.
#sapsHAWKS A 42-year-old suspect was arrested this morning in Petrus Steyn, Free State Province on charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer — specifically, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). ML pic.twitter.com/LpIZw9IuWS
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 10, 2025
Hawks’ national spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, has warned communities against making any payments to police officers, emphasising that they are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered.
“Believing that he was communicating with the real National Head of the Hawks, the victim provided personal details and contact information of close associates. The suspect later solicited money, claiming to have successfully ‘de-bugged’ the victim’s mobile devices. An amount that is more than R100 000 was subsequently paid by the victims.”
The National Head of the DPCI says, “I am happy that the individual who pretended to be myself has now been caught. Those who have been tricked should come forward.” Following a thorough investigation, the suspect was apprehended.
