03/02/2026
Hawks Nab Solar Plant Manager in R50,000 Corruption Sting
A 26-year-old man has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) unit in Welkom after an undercover sting exposed an alleged extortion scheme at a solar plant in Virginia.
The arrest follows intelligence received on 28 January 2026 pointing to corruption involving a Plant Manager at the Bloemhoedskraal Solar Plant. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly demanded monthly cash payments of R10,000 from a sub-contractor over a four-month period, threatening to remove the contractor’s machinery should payments not be made. The total amount allegedly extorted stands at R50,000.
Further inquiries by the Project Manager uncovered additional alleged victims who were reportedly subjected to similar demands. Investigators also noted that the suspect had recently purchased a second-hand vehicle for R130,000 in cash, raising further suspicion.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Welkom-based Hawks, who secured authorisation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 30 January 2026 to conduct an undercover operation in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The suspect was apprehended during the operation conducted in Virginia on Monday, 2 February 2026. Two Samsung cellphones and R10,000 in cash were seized at the time of arrest.
He is expected to appear before the Virginia Magistrates’ Court on 4 February 2026, where he will face charges of corruption.
