Charles Esther
A 40-year-old former employee of Sibanye Stillwater Mine has been arrested by the Free State Hawks on allegations of fraud.
The arrest follows an intensive investigation into financial misconduct involving over R1 million in losses for the mining company.
The suspect was officially subpoenaed on June 8, 2025, by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Welkom.
Free State Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti confirmed that the man will now face charges of fraud in court.
Fraudulent Quotes Used to Mislead Sibanye Stillwater Mine
According to Warrant Officer Matoti, the fraudulent activity occurred between April and May 2021.
During this period, the former employee allegedly used legitimate documents from one of the mine’s service providers.
He is accused of modifying those documents to produce fake quotations that were then submitted as authentic.
The fake quotes led to significant financial losses totaling over R1 million for Sibanye Stillwater Mine.
Sibanye Stillwater Mine’s Internal Unit Traced the Paper Trail
The suspicious financial discrepancies caught the attention of Sibanye Stillwater Mine’s internal Fraud and Corruption Unit.
Once the irregularities were discovered, the mine launched an internal investigation to trace the origin of the forged documents.
The unit gathered critical evidence and later referred the matter to the Hawks for further legal action.
The internal investigation played a crucial role in identifying the former employee’s alleged involvement in the scam.
Hawks Step In to Finalize the Criminal Case
With sufficient prima facie evidence provided by the mine, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit took over the case.
The documentation collected was compelling enough for the court to issue a summons for the suspect.
This led to his arrest by the Hawks, as confirmed by Warrant Officer Matoti in an official statement.
The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to appear before the Theunissen Magistrates Court on July 22, 2025.
Legal Consequences and the Broader Impact of Corporate Fraud
Corporate fraud not only causes financial damage but also erodes trust within organizations and supply chains.
Companies like Sibanye Stillwater Mine are increasingly investing in internal controls and audit systems to detect fraud early.
This case highlights the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and swift legal follow-up when fraud is suspected.
It also reinforces the vital role played by investigative bodies like the Hawks in holding wrongdoers accountable.
How Companies Can Prevent Employee Fraud
To protect themselves, companies should conduct regular audits and cross-verify procurement documentation with original vendor submissions.
Access to sensitive financial data should be restricted to authorized personnel and tracked through security logs.
Employee training programs on ethics and fraud awareness can also reduce the risk of internal crime.
Most importantly, organizations must act quickly when red flags appear and work with law enforcement when needed.
