Hawks Apprehend Wanted Fraudster in Major 2018 Fraud Case | Musa Kache Chungupengu

The Pretoria Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) Unit, under the Hawks, has successfully executed a long-pending warrant of arrest, detaining Musa Kache Chungupengu, 41, for his involvement in a significant fraud case dating back to 2018.

Chungupengu was apprehended at the Golela border gate in KwaZulu-Natal on December 6, 2024, and initially detained at the Pongola police station. He was subsequently transferred to Gauteng, where he appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Pretoria on Monday, December 9, 2024.

The arrest stems from an incident on April 19, 2018, when a complainant received an email allegedly from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Pretoria. The email requested the supply of 200 boxes of Pure Azoxy pesticide, with the complainant quoted R296,000 by a supplier, San Marino Trading, based in the Eastern Cape. After transferring the funds to the provided account, the items were never delivered.

Chungupengu faces charges of fraud, with the case postponed to December 17 for a bail hearing.

This arrest comes amid increased efforts by the Hawks to combat fraud.

• Jonathan Wolpe Case: Last month, the Hawks arrested Jonathan Wolpe, 43, in connection with a R9 million fraud case. Wolpe, the director of United Chartered Flight Services, allegedly received payment for charter flights from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South Africa but failed to provide the services. Instead, the funds were misappropriated for personal use.

Wolpe was charged alongside his company and appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for an initial hearing.

Captain Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for the Hawks, emphasized the unit’s dedication to tackling fraud and other financial crimes. “These arrests reflect our commitment to addressing the financial losses suffered by victims due to fraudulent activities,” he said.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com