By Obakeng Maje
North West-A week-long operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks has resulted in the arrest of 16 people belonging to three syndicates operating in and out of the province. 

During the operation, drugs valued at more than R40 million, vehicles valued at more than R1,4 million and cash amounting to R186 000,00 were seized.

“These syndicates were under surveillance for months before they were arrested” Hawks Paul Ramoloko said.

The first syndicate specialised in fictitious tenders, whereby they allegedly instructed victims to pay them in return for being awarded provincial government tenders.

Ramoloko said this syndicate mostly operated in Mmabatho.

“The Hawks arrested nine suspects in Mahikeng on Friday, recovered one vehicle, two laptops and eight cellular phones. Victims in this ring involve prominent persons who would not want to report their ordeal for the fear of prosecution or embarrassment” Hawks Ramoloko said.

Approximately 24 victims brought their ordeal to the Hawks.

This syndicate conned people out of a little more than R12 million.
The suspects,Dingaan David Selabe,45 a ringleader and a Bishop of Cornerstone Ministries in Signal Hill, Mahikeng, Petrus Andries Byleveld,42, James Sizwe Mulaudzi,52, Patrick Thipe,45, Jan Qhete Masire,41, Dipetso Jopie Esau,39, Jack Seleke Medupi,32, Itseng Boitheko Mathube,44 and Boitumelo Nancy Kweetsane,30 appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrates’ Court the same day and their case was postponed to 14 March 2014 for bail application.

They remain in custody. More arrests are expected.-TDN
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