The Hawks in Eastern Cape are on the hunt for a man who was released from custody in 2022 after he was arrested for accusing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and provincial premier Oscar Mabuyane of bribery and corruption.
Phadima Fukula was set free by the East London magistrate’s court in February 2022 because the matter was not on the court roll.
At the time of his release, the National Prosecuting Authority had stated that his docket was referred to the prosecution head in the province for a decision.
On Tuesday, the Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said his team in East London is looking for Fukula to face charges of perjury after he allegedly reported corruption in Johannesburg and East London against Zondo and Mabuyane.
“A case of perjury was opened after two conflicting versions on the two cases that he had opened were discovered,” said Mhlakuvana.
“A case of crimen injuria was also reported by the premier against the suspect. The Hawks investigated all four cases in order to ascertain their veracity.”
Mhlakuvana said a summons was issued against Fukula, adding that he is expected to appear before East London magistrate’s court on August 29.
The Hawks said on Tuesday that Fukula could not be traced at all his known addresses. The crime busters made an appeal to people who might know Fukula’s whereabouts to contact Lieutenant-Colonel Mtyobile on 071 481 2421.
“Commendable efforts have been made to trace him but to no avail. Any information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” said Mhlakuvana.
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