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An Eastern Cape police service provider, who doubles as a Lukhanji FM station manager, Andrew Joe (44) has been arrested on alleged fraud charges by the Serious Corruption Crime Investigation (unit) of the Hawks. Lukhanji FM, a community radio station and Joe’s garage are both based in Komani.
Hawks provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, said Joe appeared before the Queenstown Magistrates' Court on February 27, and was released on R2 000 bail.
“Joe faces charges of fraud exceeding R160 000. The incident dates back to November 17, 2022, when a police Ford Ranger experienced a breakdown in Aliwal North. The vehicle was outsourced through Wesbank appointed under an RT46 Government contract. Innova Motorworks (Pty) Ltd where Joe serves as the sole director was selected for repairs,” Fumba said.
Fumba said when the car was returned to the police on July 25, 2023, it was invoiced for work allegedly including a new engine, turbo and injectors amounting to over R160 000.
“However, a subsequent inspection by a police garage mechanic apparently revealed inconsistencies between the invoice and the actual work performed," Fumba said.
“The matter was escalated to the Serious Corruption Crime Investigation of the Hawks leading to the discovery that the old engine remained installed and the turbo and injectors had never been replaced,” Fumba said.
It was further reported that Wesbank was promptly informed, said Fumba, and payment to the merchant was halted.
“Consequently, Christopher Andrew Joe was arrested on February 27, 2024, and appeared before the Queenstown Magistrates' Court the same day facing charges of fraud. He has been released on bail of R2 000 and the case is remanded to March 25, for further proceedings,” Fumba said.
