By BAKANG MOKOTO
20 November 2025- Three accused, Simphiwe Dube (22), Fekeza Mathe (36), and Mathews Pitse (48), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 19 November 2025, facing charges of fraud. The trio were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 17 and 18 November 2025.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said in October 2019, a member of the public, who is still at large, allegedly submitted an application for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Mathebula said it is reported that a claim of over R53 000 was processed and paid to the claimant.
“Investigation revealed that the claimant was never an employee of the company he claimed to have worked for. It was further established during the investigation that, Mathews Pitse, the registration supervisor at the Department of Labour based in Klerksdorp, used the centre number of Mmabatho when he processed payment for the claimant, instead of Klerksdorp’s where he is stationed.
“After receiving the funds, the claimant allegedly transferred R24 500 to Simphiwe Dube and a further R21 500 to Fekeza Mathe, who was also the registration supervisor at the Department of Labour based in Klerksdorp,” he said.
Mathebula further said following an investigation, the suspects were apprehended and charged with fraud. He added that they appeared in court and were granted R2000 bail each.
“Their matter was postponed to 7 January 2026,” said Mathebula.
The Guardian 