Partners in crime: Northern Cape couple arrested over R1.2m municipal theft

The couple appeared in court on Wednesday, shortly after their arrest by the Hawks.

Feb 19, 2026 - 11:00
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Partners in crime: Northern Cape couple arrested over R1.2m municipal theft

A Northern Cape couple accused of stealing more than R1.2 million from the Kai Garib Municipality has been arrested on charges of theft and money laundering.

Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said Annelie Swartz, 52, and Jonathan Swartz, 59, along with their company, Annie’s Building Supplies (PTY) LTD, appeared before the Kakamas Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Mnisi said the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit arrested the couple on the same day.

‘DEAL GONE WRONG’

The charges stem from an agreement between the couple and the municipality to sell water and electricity on its behalf.

In terms of the agreement, they were required to transfer the proceeds into the municipality’s bank account.

“It is further alleged that the accused adhered to the agreement for only two months before they stopped transferring money to the municipality’s bank account,” Mnisi said in a statement on Thursday.

“As a result, the municipality suffered an actual loss exceeding R1.2 million,” said Mnisi.

The couple was released on R5,000 bail each. The case was postponed to 17 March 2026.

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