Hawks Seize Assets Linked to R5 Million PPE Fraud

A High Court order has resulted in the forfeiture of a property and vehicles worth a combined R2.5 million, linked to an alleged Covid-19 PPE corruption scandal involving a former secretary of the Mpumalanga Department of Health.

The Division of the High Court in Mbombela granted the forfeiture order on 1 October 2025 for a house valued at R1.5 million in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, and three vehicles worth R1 million. The order was formally received by the Hawks’ Asset Investigation Unit in Mpumalanga on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

Investigations revealed that during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, former departmental secretary Sanele Sanderson allegedly siphoned R5 million intended for community services. She reportedly channelled the money through two fraudulent service providers, who were paid for services never rendered. Fake delivery notes were issued to facilitate the payments.

Part of the proceeds was allegedly used to buy a house worth R1.5 million in Barberton, which was later sold to purchase the Sunninghill property registered under her daughter’s name. She also acquired three vehicles — a Toyota Quantum, Hyundai LDV and VW Golf — worth R1 million.

The Hawks successfully located and seized the Johannesburg property and the Toyota Quantum. The two remaining vehicles have not yet been recovered, but all necessary paperwork to enforce the order has been completed

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The criminal investigation is ongoing, and arrests are expected once the process is finalised.