Have you seen this man? Hawks hunt manager for theft of R900,000 from Mugg & Bean in Kruger Park

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct image of the suspect. The Hawks have issued an apology for releasing the incorrect picture of the suspect, Amos Tineyi Kampinya.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has launched an extensive manhunt for Zimbabwean man, Amos Tineyi Kampinya, 44, who is wanted in connection with a fraud and theft case in Mpumalanga.

The crime was committed in July 2022, at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, according to Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi.

“Hawks in Mpumalanga requires assistance from the community to locate the whereabouts of the suspect appearing in the attached photographs, known as Amos Tineyi Kampinya, a Zimbabwean citizen,” said Sekgotodi.

It is alleged that during July 2022, Kampyinya was working at Mugg & Bean restaurant in the Kruger National Park as a manager.

A manhunt has been launched for Zimbabwean man, Amos Tineyi Kampinya, 44, who is wanted by the Hawks in connection with a fraud and theft case. Picture: Hawks

“It is further alleged that Kampyinya stole company funds to the amount of R897,229 and disappeared. He was sought at his previous known address, at Karino Flats near Mbombela and he was not found,” said Sekgotodi.

Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the suspect vanished from the Kruger National Park, as did almost R900,000. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nicholas Gerber has urged Kampinya to surrender himself to the police.

Gerber appealed to community members to report information regarding Kampinya’s whereabouts to the police by contacting the investigating officer, Captain Mandla Mphephethe on 071 481 3295.

The Hawks said all information provided to the police will be dealt with confidentially.

Last week, IOL reported that the Nelspruit Commercial Crime Court in Mpumalanga convicted and sentenced 44-year-old Mduduzi Steven Mashwama and his company MPG Mash Trading CC on charges of theft and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

Mduduzi Steven Mashwama was found guilty by the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court and was given suspended sentences, and ordered to pay back the money he defrauded Sars. Picture: Hawks

In July 2020, Mashwama and his company fraudulently submitted Value Added Tax claims and claimed undue VAT refunds of R166,850 from SA Revenue Service (Sars).

“The matter was reported to the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (unit) for further investigation. The investigation was finalised and the accused was summoned to appear in court on several occasion until he was sentenced on Tuesday,” Sekgotodi said at the time.

IOL