Three Global Strike Employees Arrested for R6.3 Million Fraud at Anglo American Platinum

Three employees of Global Strike Security have been arrested for allegedly defrauding mining giant Anglo American Platinum of over R6.3 million through a series of fraudulent invoices submitted over a nearly three-year period.

The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, apprehended the suspects on Monday, May 19, 2025. Those arrested include former Global Strike director Wanda van Zyl (57), payroll administrators Monidue Nel (52) and Ruan van Zyl (23).

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the trio is accused of submitting fraudulent invoices claiming payment for security services that were never provided.

“The fraudulent activities took place between December 20, 2018, and September 20, 2021,” Mmuroa explained. “Anglo American Platinum’s internal forensic investigation revealed more than 33 false claims that had been paid out, resulting in losses exceeding R6.3 million.”

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Following Anglo American Platinum’s suspicions, the matter was reported to the Mahwelereng police station before being escalated to the Hawks for a more thorough investigation.

Four individuals from Global Strike Security were linked to the scam, but one has since died. The remaining three suspects cooperated fully and surrendered themselves to authorities.

On May 19, the accused appeared in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court facing 26 counts of fraud. Their bail hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025.

The Hawks have referred the case to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which has authorized arrest warrants and continues to monitor the investigation closely.

Context: A Broader Trend of Corporate and Financial Frauds

This case follows closely on the heels of another major fraud conviction reported by IOL News. Two individuals, Serage Martin Lubenga and Rhoda Mirembe, were sentenced to 15 years in prison each for defrauding a Limpopo woman of R650,000 in a sophisticated dating scam.

The pair convinced their victim she would receive R4 million after paying 10% upfront, using elaborate tactics including fake spiritual promises. The court also barred them from owning firearms following their guilty pleas on multiple fraud and corruption charges.

Why It Matters

Fraudulent activities such as this not only cause significant financial losses for large corporations but also undermine trust in service providers and the broader business community.

The arrest of the Global Strike Security employees highlights the importance of robust internal controls and vigilance by companies to detect and prevent such scams. It also underlines the critical role of the Hawks and NPA in pursuing white-collar crime in South Africa.

As investigations continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks companies face and the need for stronger fraud prevention mechanisms.

{Source: IOL}

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