The DA in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the arrests of Neville Higgins, Trevor Louw and Victor Manyathi. Image: @SAPoliceService / Twitter
DA welcomes Hawks’ arrests of three of its former councillors
The DA has welcomed the Hawks’ arrests of three of its former councillors in connection with fraud and money laundering.
The DA in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the arrests of Neville Higgins, Trevor Louw and Victor Manyathi. Image: @SAPoliceService / Twitter
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the spate of arrests by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Who was arrested?
DA Eastern Cape Provincial Leader Nqaba Bhanga noted that three former DA councillors were included in the arrests. They are Neville Higgins, Trevor Louw and Victor Manyathi.
“The arrests of these former councillors vindicate the DA’s decision to terminate the membership of these individuals in 2018, following their role in collapsing the DA-led coalition in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Bhanga.
The party also made note of the arrests of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Acting city manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, ANC regional secretary, Luyolo Nqakula, as well as that of Nelson Mandela Bay housing official, Norman Mapu, and business people Xolani and Nwabisa Masela.
The arrests are in connection with fraud and money laundering
The arrests are reportedly in connection with money laundering, fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
“The DA stands for good governance and has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and will be monitoring this case closely. The law must take its course,” said Bhanga.
‘Air Lords’ cult members arrested by Hawks, Interpol in Pretoria
In an unrelated incident, it was previously reported that the Hawks and Interpol arrested two suspects in Pretoria early on Wednesday, 28 September, as part of an international crackdown on cybercriminals. The arrested suspects allegedly belong to the cult known as Air Lords – a rival of Nigerian syndicate Black Axe.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects – aged 39 and 42 – were arrested at different locations in Waparand and Sunnyside. The operation was led by Interpol and assisted by Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation’s 419 Provincial Task Team and Tactical Operations Management Section.
“The duo were found in possession of electronic equipment, including laptops and cellphones, thousands of rands in cash and an unlicensed firearm,” said Mogale. Read the full story here.
