FROM THE COURTS: The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in the Western Cape have welcomed the sentence of Marthinus Rabie (61), his wife Johanna Rabie (60) and their companies, Attaqua and Gwaing development on 34 counts of fraud worth more than R3.2 million.

The Oudtshoorn Regional Court sentenced the couple to 10 years direct imprisonment each on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.

During 2005 and 2008, Marthinus was employed by the Department of Agriculture in Oudtshoorn and was responsible for appointments and approval of tenders for the department.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, investigations revealed that he tendered with his wife through their two close corporations for construction jobs at the department. 

The court found that the accused manipulated the quotes of other tenders or competitors in order to be favourably evaluated, which caused prejudice to other bidders. Most tenders in this area were allocated to their close corporations

Attaqua Development CC and Gwaing Development CC, both represented by Johana, were each sentenced to a fine of R500 000 or five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

The Western Cape head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato ,welcomed the sentence and said: “As law enforcement we remain steadfast in our commitment to prosecuting cases of fraud and to promoting integrity and respect for the rule of law.”