The Hawks have arrested two suspects, including a Department of Human Settlements administrative clerk, for allegedly plotting to assassinate a senior government official who had been exposing corruption involving the illegal sale of RDP houses.
The arrests were made by members of the Hawks' East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit following an investigation that began in 2024.
The suspects, 49-year-old Thulani Collen Ndwandwe and 48-year-old Tonia Mphemba Hlongwane, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Monday.
According to the Hawks, the investigation was launched after a senior Department of Human Settlements official lodged a complaint, alleging that hitmen had been recruited to kill the official for attempting to stop the illegal sale of government RDP houses to people who were not legitimate beneficiaries.
Investigators allege the intimidation campaign included several failed ambush attempts, telephonic death threats and a shooting incident.
Following what the Hawks described as an extensive intelligence-driven investigation, officers identified the suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest.
The first suspect was arrested in Mpumalanga on 2 July.
The Hawks say during a search of the suspect's property, investigators recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, four 9mm pistols, an automatic pump-action shotgun, two .308 high-calibre rifles, an air rifle and ammunition.
Although the firearms were legally licensed, the Hawks said they have been...
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