Phindile Mqulo (48) the former Department of Justice Senior Registry Clerk appeared before Makhanda Magistrate’s court on 26 February 2024. Mqulo was arrested by the Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks on the same day for allegations of fraud and guardian fund theft.
It is alleged that in 2009, Mqulo employed as the Registry Clerk at the office of the Master of the High Court connived with his friend Anawo Manyi (40) and forged signatures of signatories who were responsible for signing cheques for deserving beneficiaries as per guardian fund claims submitted. Mqulo allegedly wrote the cheques in the name of Manyi where after the duo would share the proceeds after the cheques were cashed. Manyi has since been given a suspended sentence in 2011 while Mqulo was still on the run.
Investigations by the Hawks revealed that the Department of Justice was prejudiced cash to the value of more than R55 000.
After a long search, Mqulo was ultimately arrested by the Hawks on 26 February 2024 and made his short court appearance at Makhanda Magistrates’ Court on the same day of his arrest. He was released on a warning. The matter is remanded to 17 May 2024 for Makhanda Regional Court.
