Mabuza's 'fake niece' arrested for lying about his involvement in a murder

A 31-year-old woman who accused deputy president David Mabuza of being involved in a murder plot has been arrested, the Hawks said on Thursday.

Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said the woman, who had claimed to be Mabuza's niece, was arrested on Wednesday after she allegedly fabricated a story that the deputy president conspired to murder an ecotourism business person.

Mulaudzi said the Hawks launched an investigation in November 2018 after the woman made the "startling allegations" in an affidavit. A case was opened at the Sandton police station.

He said the original statement was not recorded by police and, therefore, the investigation team had to interview the complainant.

"It became difficult to trace the complainant as those who interacted with her were also unable to locate her," he said.

Mulaudzi said it emerged during the investigation that the deputy president was not in the country at the time of the alleged offence.

"It became clear that the statement may not be truthful but a possible fabrication, including her relationship with the deputy president," he said.

"An investigation team followed all leads, including consultation with other government departments for verification. Based on the information obtained ... the real person whose details appeared in the affidavit was traced."

Mulaudzi said the investigation team found that huge amounts of money were paid to the woman "coincidentally after deposing of the affidavit".

"An identification parade was held today [Thursday] and the persons to whom the suspect made a report, who happens to be employed by a political party, positively identified her.

"The suspect has further made a confession before the magistrate," he said.

The woman was arrested on charges of alleged fraud, forgery and defeating the ends of justice.

She is expected to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Friday.