The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest of a 50 -year-old former Deputy Director of Finance at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms Grace Mokoka, in connection with an alleged R1.35 million fraud involving funds intended to support a community land restitution project.
Mokoka was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued in connection with a case registered in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, in 2018 by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, following the SIU’s investigation referral for evidence pointing to criminal conduct.
She appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, where she was granted R1,000 bail. The matter was postponed to 26 October 2026 for further proceedings.
She faces charges of fraud, theft and corruption in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), as well as money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The investigation stems from Proclamation R53, published on 21 September 2012, which authorised the SIU to investigate matters in connection with the affairs of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.
The SIU investigation relates to a land restitution project involving the Ingogo Communal Property Association (CPA), which successfully lodged a claim in 2018 for the restitution of land rights in terms of Section 42D of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994, as amended. The claim covered portions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the farm Barneveld 16 IT and Portion 5 of the farm Buffelspruit , Mpumalanga .
The community needed to develop the farm and operate it as a viable business enterprise, including acquiring firefighting equipment and tractors. MPG Mash Trading CC was irregularly appointed to provide the necessary equipment, with R1,358,640 approved for the project.
Protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption.
Mokoka, then Deputy Director of Finance, allegedly irregularly approved a payment of R1,358,440 to the company despite no services being rendered and the required procurement processes not being followed.
The equipment was intended to include a 4x4 single -cab bakkie, trailer, 18-ton side -bar trailer, grass cutter, safety suits, gloves, protective boots, firefighting equipment, power generator and tractors.
However, the SIU investigation found that the goods were not delivered to the beneficiaries or, in some instances, were only partially delivered. The beneficiaries were also not involved in the sourcing or appointment of the service provider, resulting in no value for money being obtained.
The SIU investigation further established that quotations were sourced by officials from personal acquaintances and that funds paid by the department to the service provider were allegedly used for the personal benefit of certain officials.
The SIU also found no evidence that the service provider was appointed through a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost -effective process, as required by Section 217 of the Constitution.
The SIU investigation also found that the service provider did not pay the South African Revenue Service (SARS) the R166,850 in Value Added Tax (VAT) claimed from the department and used inactive VAT numbers.
The director of MPG Mash Trading, Mr Mduduzi Mashwama, was found guilty by the Nelspruit Commercial Crime Court in 2024 and received wholly suspended sentences for theft and contravening the POCA for the fraudulent submission of VAT claims and the unlawful receipt of r efunds totalling R166,850.
He was also ordered to repay SARS an amount of R166,850 in instalments of R500 per month until the owed amount is paid in full.
The SIU further found that Mashwama allegedly submitted the invoice after being approached by Mr Sikhumbuzo Nkosi, who had been appointed as project manager by Mr Godfrey Mchunu, a departmental project officer.
Mchunu and Nkosi were arrested in connection with the matter in 2025.
The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These developments reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and promoting accountability.
The SIU is also authorised to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations and recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered.
Enquiries:
Selby Makgotho
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 083 718 6128
E-mail: SIUMedia@siu.org.za
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