The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit has arrested four individuals and three companies on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to a multi-million-rand scam in the Northern Cape.
Among those apprehended is Kevin Darryl Christians (61), an employee of the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, who is alleged to have played a central role in the scheme.
The case stems from events in June 2018, when the Northern Cape Provincial Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry applied for financial support to host a youth entrepreneurship conference. The Department approved R1.8 million for the initiative. However, investigators allege that service providers were paid for services that were never delivered.
The companies implicated include Exilite Travel Agency, which allegedly acted as the paymaster, channeling funds to B&E Suppliers CC and MTM Motseme (Pty) Ltd.
The other accused are Banton Sithebe (40), Portia Louw (46), and Irene Botlhoko (60). They appeared briefly in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. Each was granted R10 000 bail, and the matter was postponed to 17 October 2025 for further investigation.
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