The South African State Theatre (SAST) has welcomed the arrest of a former employee and four accomplices who allegedly siphoned millions of Rand for their gain.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale says the suspects, aged between 37 and 59 were arrested on Tuesday.
She says it is alleged that two former employees flouted the Supply Chain process by using letterheads of existing companies to create invoices without the knowledge of the actual companies.
Colonel Mogale says the bank details on the invoices belonged to the former employees' relatives and accomplices.
They are expected to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
The theatre released a statement shortly after the arrests calling it "the best Christmas present for the SAST Council and staff" as it comes at a time when they received a Clean Audit Opinion from the Auditor-General for the first time in its history.
"The fraud and corruption activities, which were committed over five years, were spearheaded by two former employees of the SAST, Mokgadi Mooka and Sibongile Mabena, who roped in seven accomplices and established companies from the proceeds of crime." read the statement.
The Theatre said when the fraud was brought to their attention they immediately opened a criminal case with police, instituted disciplinary action against the employees and launched a forensic investigation.
SAST also pursued the assets of the individuals and companies involved through civil litigation that resulted in the successful attachment of their provident funds, sequestration and liquidation of their assets.
The Theatre thanked everyone involved in the investigation calling the arrests a significant milestone in a long and turbulent journey for justice and accountability.
