Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has praised the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for securing the conviction and sentencing of the former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) head of engineering, Daniel Mtimkhulu, sending a warning to others who had doctored their qualifications that they would be dealt with.

Mtimkhulu was sentenced to 15 years in prison on fraud charges after he falsified his qualifications.

He had falsely claimed to hold a master's degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a doctorate in engineering management from a German university.

According to Mchunu, Mtimkhulu's case, which has been closely monitored for years, highlights the dangerous impact of fraud and corruption within public institutions.

Mtimkhulu was found guilty in January 2022 by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime on fraud, forgery and uttering charges.

Mchunu said Mtimkhulu's fraudulent misrepresentation of his academic qualifications not only resulted in financial prejudice against Prasa, but also undermined the integrity of the South African government’s hiring processes.

‘’These are indeed other people in other environments who continue to do these and we will also be catching up with them through law enforcement agencies.’’

He further emphasised that this issue transcends policing, impacting every citizen and the national fabric of society.

“It’s not merely an issue of policing; it is an issue that affects every citizen, every community, and every aspect of our national life,’’ he said.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili and Lieutenant General Senaba Mosipi, Hawks Divisional Commissioner, National Priority Offences, Operations, addressed the media on Thursday regarding the work carried out by the DPCI in securing the conviction and sentencing of the former head of engineering Daniel Mtimkhulu, at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Picture: Supplied/Saps

During a media briefing in Soweto on Thursday, Mchunu was flanked by the Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya and Deputy National Commissioner for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

Lebeya said Mtimkhulu’s misrepresentations enabled him to inflate his salary from R1.6 million to R2.8 million annually, significantly harming Prasa financially.

‘’He went to prove to Prasa that he deserves a better salary than what he was getting which constitutes to fraud,’’ said Lebeya.

Moreover Mchunu said the Hawks' thorough investigation, led by the Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Unit, uncovered the full extent of Mtimkhulu's deceit.

Mchunu commended their meticulous work, noting, "We are here to express our appreciation to the Hawks. Mtimkhulu has now been held accountable."

Mtimkhulu was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional six years on other counts.

In addition, the High Court also has ordered the confiscation of his assets under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and he is required to repay Prasa R5.8 million, said Mchunu.

"This case is a stark reminder of the grave consequences when individuals betray the trust placed in them by public institutions," Mchunu said.

He expressed concern about the broader moral decay in South African society, "The lying goes to show how committed you are to low ethics."

Lebeya highlighted the complexity of such investigations, explaining that Mtimkhulu's arrest in 2015 and subsequent conviction illustrate the time-consuming nature of these cases.

"Some of these matters can take time because there are various defence mechanisms an individual can bring forward," Lebeya said.

He also noted that Mtimkhulu’s conviction should serve as a deterrent to others who might seek to use fraudulent qualifications to advance their careers.

"Corruption and fraud are some of the challenges the country is facing. These individuals are committing serious offences that negatively affect the integrity of the government."

Lebeya said Mtimkhulu’s case is one of many the DPCI has pursued as part of the broader fight against the state capture.

According to Lebeya, over 30 suspects have been apprehended in connection with state capture-related crimes, and more than 2,241 statements have been collected, leading to multiple convictions.

The prosecution of Mtimkhulu is seen as a significant victory in the fight against corruption, with Mchunu assuring the public that the police will continue to pursue justice in all cases of criminality, whether in public or private sectors.

"Whenever we come across any criminality of any kind, we will do everything we can to bring people to justice," Mchunu said.

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