The public works minister said cybercriminals have siphoned R300-million from the department over a decade.
the new minister of public works , has unearthed a cybercrime operation that it’s estimated has siphoned R300-million from the department over a period of 10 years.said investigations are still ongoing and that the amount stolen could very well be higher.
“The latest episode took place in May 2024 when the cybercriminals stole a further R24-million,” he said in the statement. “This prompted a full forensic investigation by the Hawks, the South African Police Service, the State Security Agency, and experts in the ICT and cybersecurity industry.”The criminal activity emerged as Macpherson and his deputy, Sihle Zikalala, conducted assessments of the public works department informed by briefings from various branches.
“It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cybercriminals over a 10-year period, and this should have been picked up a lot earlier. I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft.”Four officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by the investigating team.Of the four people arrested, three are senior managers and one is in middle management.
“The department has suffered massive financial loss and those responsible for protecting us from cybercriminals must be held to account. We also ask the investigators to trace and follow the money and ensure that it is brought back to the coffers of the government,” Macpherson said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
R300 million stolen in massive cyber-heistSouth Africa’s new public works minister has revealed that cybercriminals have stolen at least R300 million from taxpayers in the past ten years.
Read more »
R300 million Department of Public Works cyber theft bombshell dropsThe Department of Public Works and Infrastructure revealed that over R300M has been quietly stolen from the department in the last 10 years.
Read more »
Woman Puts Cocktail Cups in Handbag After Cape Town Club Charges Her R300 for 2 DrinksA Cape Town woman on TikTok, joykhloegovindsamy_, posted a video complaining about a R300 bill for just two drinks at a club. She stole the cocktail cups.
Read more »
Criminals nail government for R300 million in South AfricaMinister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has revealed that the department has been a breeding ground for cybercrime.
Read more »
Free State MEC's R300,000 Trip Expenses Spark Outrage in South AfricaSouth Africans were shocked that Free State MEC for Public Works Dibolelo Mance spent over R300,000 for her trips to Durban and Cape Town in early 2024.
Read more »
Edward Kieswetter’s R300 billion headacheThe gap between the tax that South Africans should pay and the amount collected is estimated to be R300 billion.
Read more »