Today members of the hawks launched an operation following allegations of fraud and theft by the provincial Department of Health and Social Development.

It is alleged a syndicate managed to pinch off the department more than R300 000 on unpaid auction vehicles. In July last year the department held a series of auction in the different parts of the province. Interested parties including members of the public were required to pay a R5 000 registration fee.

The syndicate allegedly used fraudulent bank deposit to register as well as to purchase 11 cars at the auction. The cars were immediately sold to unsuspecting victims who paid cash for them.

Last week the department realised that they were duped and opened a case of fraud and theft where an investigation led the arrest of three suspects including the kingpin aged between 35 and 34 today.

So far six (6) vehicles were have been recovered in Polokwane, Seshego and Thohoyandou. At the residence of the 35 year old kingpin, police managed to recover fraudulent deposits slips, car registration papers and well as computer and printer. Police Investigations are still continuing. The are expected to appear at the Polokwane magistrate court soon. .