Suspect Arrested for Pretending to be Hawks Chief Lebeya

(The Post News)– A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Petrus Steyn, Free State, for allegedly impersonating Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), and defrauding a Gauteng businessman of over R100,000.

According to Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, the suspect contacted the businessman via WhatsApp in October 2024, claiming the victim’s phone had been hacked and offering assistance. Using a profile picture and personal details resembling those of Lieutenant General Lebeya, the suspect deceived the victim into providing personal information and contact details of close associates. Subsequently, the suspect solicited money, claiming to have ‘de-bugged’ the victim’s devices, resulting in payments exceeding R100,000.

Brigadier Mbambo explained that the suspect pretended to be Lieutenant General Lebeya and assured the victim that he could assist in safeguarding his gadgets. The suspect then asked for access to personal information and later sought cash.

Meanwhile, Lebeya has expressed relief over the arrest, urging members of the public to remain vigilant. He also encouraged those who may have fallen victim to the suspect to come forward.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 12, on charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer. Authorities believe there may be more victims and have urged anyone with information to come forward.