A 42-year-old man who posed as an employee of the Department of Employment and Labour has been arrested after evading justice for more than two years.

According to the Hawks in Mpumalanga, the suspect, identified as Kwena Mohlala, was rearrested in the early hours of Saturday, 18 October 2025, at Ivory Park in Gauteng. His arrest followed an intensive operation by the Secunda-based Serious Corruption Investigation team, which executed a warrant that had been outstanding since his disappearance.

Mohlala was initially arrested in February 2022 in Piet Retief after attempting to convince a legitimate Department of Labour employee to fraudulently process fake Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims. He allegedly promised to share the proceeds with the employee, who instead reported the matter to the Hawks.

When Mohlala met with the employee on 22 February 2022, the Hawks monitored the meeting closely and arrested him after he handed over five fraudulent claim forms containing details of applicants from Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.

After being granted bail, Mohlala appeared in court three times before absconding. A warrant for his arrest was then issued.

During his latest arrest, investigators found a notebook in his possession containing numerous identity numbers, bank account details, and uncompleted UIF claim forms, suggesting he may have continued his fraudulent activities.

Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the investigation team for their dedication.

“The suspect’s actions indicate that he has not ceased his criminal activities. He must explain how he obtained personal details of people who have never met him before. I really appreciate the commitment from our team, and I believe more information will be exposed soon,” said Major General Gerber.

Mohlala appeared before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 October 2025, and has been remanded in custody until 28 October 2025 for a formal bail application.