Former State Security officials arrested for R5.8 million fraud

Former State Security officials arrested for R5.8 million fraud! Two former senior officials from the State Security Agency (SSA) have been arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, involving over R5.8 million in misappropriated state funds.

Accused Officials and Allegations

The suspects, Ntshavheni Makhathana and Matome Ralebipi, stand accused of illegally diverting funds that had been allocated to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—which later became the State Security Agency (SSA)—for their personal financial benefit.

Authorities allege that Ralebipi Properties, a company linked to one of the accused, served as a money laundering front, allowing the pair to funnel stolen state funds through its accounts.

Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings

Makhathana and Ralebipi made their first court appearance before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, March 25, 2025.

State Security officials arrested

During the hearing, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) outlined the charges against the accused, which include:

• Theft of state funds

• Fraud

• Money laundering

NPA’s Investigation and Statement

The case has been investigated by the Investigating Directorate (ID) of the NPA, which focuses on high-level corruption and financial crimes.

ID spokesperson Henry Mamothame confirmed the details of the case, stating:

“The NPA’s Investigating Directorate, working closely with the State Security Agency, arrested Ntshavheni Makhathana and Matome Ralebipi, who are former employees of the National Intelligence Agency. They face charges of theft and money laundering amounting to approximately R5.8 million, with the offences committed between 2007 and 2010.”

Mamothame also revealed that investigators have been tracking this case for years, gathering financial records and evidence of fraudulent transactions.

How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded

According to investigators, Makhathana, who held a senior managerial position within the cover support unit of the intelligence agency, was responsible for overseeing financial operations and expenditure.

Instead of ensuring that state funds were allocated properly, Makhathana allegedly orchestrated a scheme in which large sums were redirected to Ralebipi Properties, a business linked to his co-accused, Matome Ralebipi.

Authorities believe that once the money was transferred into the company’s accounts, it was withdrawn, dispersed, or used for personal expenses, effectively laundering stolen government funds.

Potential Consequences for the Accused

If found guilty, the accused could face severe penalties, including:

• Lengthy prison sentences for fraud and money laundering

• Asset forfeiture, including properties or financial gains obtained through the alleged scheme

• Additional charges, if further evidence links them to more financial misconduct

The case will also be closely watched as it involves corruption within South Africa’s intelligence sector, raising serious concerns about financial oversight within government security agencies.

Case Postponement and Next Steps

The court has postponed the case to allow prosecutors to prepare further evidence and allow for additional investigations.

Meanwhile, the NPA has confirmed that they are working with financial crime experts to trace the full extent of the stolen funds and identify other possible accomplices who may have benefited from the scheme.

Public Reaction and Anti-Corruption Efforts

The arrests have sparked public outrage, with many South Africans calling for harsh penalties for those who steal from the state.

The case also highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat corruption, particularly within government institutions tasked with national security.

The government has pledged to hold corrupt officials accountable, ensuring that those who misuse public funds face the full might of the law.