Three arrested over WFP food theft

The Hawks have arrested three people for allegedly defrauding more than R5m worth of foodstuffs from the World Food Programme (WFP) which were meant for a relief operation in Malawi. A TimesLIVE report notes that the food had been donated by the US Agency for International Development to the WFP for humanitarian relief. The supplies included refined vegetable oil and yellow split peas. Hawks spokesperson Lloyd Ramovha said SARS registered a criminal case of fraud in contravention of the Value-Added Tax Act and the Customs and Excise Act. He said it has emerged that the goods never left SA ‘but were instead sold for self-gain from within the country. The suspects are expected to appear in court on 8 June.