Hawks arrest ex-Agriculture director over forged travel documents

A 58-year-old former Agriculture Department director has appeared in court after Hawks investigators uncovered forged travel authorisations and false personnel records that led to financial losses for the state.

Arrest and charges

The accused, Funeka Goci-Malusi, was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in KuGompo on 18 June 2026 and appeared before the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court the same day. She faces charges of fraud, forgery and uttering and was released on bail of R1 000.

How the case came to light

The department first identified the matter after noticing suspicious travel-related expenditure and irregularities in travel authorisation processes. What began as apparent administrative discrepancies was referred to the Hawks for further investigation.

Findings of the Hawks investigation

Hawks investigations established that fraudulent Official Flight Travel Authorisation Requests (OFTARs) were allegedly generated and processed to arrange travel purportedly undertaken by officials from the Free State Province to KuGompo City during July 2024. Acting on the documents, the department’s contracted travel management service provider proceeded with travel and accommodation bookings.

Further inquiries uncovered anomalies showing that fraudulent documentation with fabricated employment details and records of non-existent personnel had been used to create the impression of legitimate government business.

Financial loss

The investigation found an actual financial loss of approximately R23 430 to the department and identified a further potential prejudice of approximately R14 600.

Official comments and next steps

“Acting on the apparent authenticity of the documentation presented, the department’s contracted travel management service provider proceeded with travel and accommodation bookings in accordance with established government procurement and travel protocols,”

Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the matter was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit after the discrepancies were uncovered and that the investigation ultimately led to the arrest in KuGompo City.

“The institution remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law, strengthen public confidence in state institutions, and ensure that every allegation of corruption is subjected to rigorous investigation,”

said Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya.

Court timetable and status

The matter was postponed to 10 July 2026 to allow the accused to secure legal representation. Investigations remain ongoing.