SOUTH Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has launched an extensive manhunt for Zimbabwean man, Amos Tineyi Kampinya, 44, who is wanted in connection with a fraud and theft case in Mpumalanga.
The crime was committed in July 2022, at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, according to Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “Hawks in Mpumalanga require assistance from the community to locate the whereabouts of the suspect, known as Amos Tineyi Kampinya, a Zimbabwean citizen,” said Sekgotodi.
It is alleged that during July 2022, Kampinya was working at Mugg & Bean restaurant in the Kruger National Park as a manager. “It is further alleged that Kampinya stole company funds to the amount of R897 229 and disappeared. He was sought at his previous known address, at Karino Flats near Mbombela and he was not found,” said Sekgotodi.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nicholas Gerber has urged Kampinya to surrender himself to the police. Gerber appealed to community members to report information regarding Kampinya’s whereabouts to the police. The Hawks said all information provided to the police would be dealt with confidentially.
Last week, it was reported that the Nelspruit Commercial Crime Court in Mpumalanga convicted and sentenced 44-year-old Mduduzi Steven Mashwama and his company MPG Mash Trading CC on charges of theft and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
In July 2020, Mashwama and his company fraudulently submitted Value Added Tax claims and claimed undue VAT refunds of R166 850 from South Africa Revenue Service (Sars).
“The matter was reported to the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (unit) for further investigation. The investigation was finalised and the accused was summoned to appear in court on several occasions until he was sentenced on Tuesday,” Sekgotodi said at the time. — IOL