Eastern Cape duo arrested over alleged R1.1m UIF fraud

Two Eastern Cape women were arrested on 15 September 2026 after being implicated in an alleged UIF fraud scheme that caused financial prejudice to the Department of Labour of over R1.1 million. The suspects appeared in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on the same day.

Allegations and roles

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit says the accused, Nandipha Tutani, 47, and Nobuntu Mjili, 50, were involved in a scheme that began in 2018 when Tutani was employed by the Department of Labour in the Employer Services section. Her responsibilities included capturing, verification and filing of Employer Declaration of Employees (UI‑19) forms on benefit files.

According to the Hawks, the two women allegedly assisted prospective claimants by providing claim forms and other documentation required to initiate UIF applications. In some instances, the accused allegedly arranged bank accounts through which the proceeds of the fraudulent claims could be received.

How the scheme was detected

During auditing, the Department of Labour reportedly picked up discrepancies, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks. The investigation indicated the alleged scheme involved multiple individuals performing different functions within what appeared to be a coordinated modus operandi.

Activities alleged by investigators

• Recruiting individuals to institute UIF claims despite them not meeting requirements;
• Preparing and submitting fraudulent applications;
• Capturing and processing claims; and
• Withdrawing funds paid as a consequence of the claims.

Arrest, court appearance and bail

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said:

“In certain instances, the accused allegedly assisted with arrangements involving bank accounts through which the proceeds of the fraudulent claims could be received.”

The Hawks said intensive probing led to the arrest of the suspects at Gqeberha on 15 September 2026. The duo appeared in court the same day and were each released on R2 000 bail. The matter was postponed to 5 October 2026 for legal representation.

Response from Hawks leadership

Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, Provincial Head of the Hawks, commended the investigating team. He said:

“We commend the enormous work done in bringing the perpetrators before court.”

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit continues to investigate the alleged UIF fraud.