Kwena Franklin

Investigations and compliance professional with hands-on experience in fraud, financial crime, and cybercrime casework gained through a commercial crime investigations internship with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a subsequent contract role in risk management and compliance at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Skilled in case management, evidence handling, OSINT-based research, structured interviewing, and compiling court-ready investigation reports. Formally qualified in criminal justice, anti-corruption and commercial crime investigation, and digital forensics, with working knowledge of South African legislation governing cybercrime, data protection, and financial crime.

Comfortable working independently under pressure and adapting investigative skills to corporate, financial services, and compliance environments.

Investigator — Risk Management and Compliance at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) (2025-01 – Present)

• Investigated suspected fraud and non-compliance cases by cross-referencing data from multiple sources to identify inconsistencies.
• Conducted structured interviews with beneficiaries, applicants and suspects, and recorded sworn statements where required.
• Verified the identities of beneficiaries and suspects using official records, databases and open-source research (OSINT).
• Registered confirmed fraud cases with SAPS and tracked case progression through ongoing liaison with investigating officers.
• Compiled written investigation and compliance reports for management and external stakeholders, detailing findings and recommendations.
• Monitored compliance with relevant legislation and internal procedures throughout each case, flagging deviations for action.
• Maintained accurate, audit-ready case files and administrative records in line with organisational record-keeping standards.
• Built and maintained an efficient method for cross-source identity verification, sustaining an up-to-date caseload throughout the contract.

Forensic Commercial Crime Investigator (Intern) at South African Police Service (SAPS) (2023-03 – 2024-03)

• Supported the Cyber Crime Unit on cases involving financial records, internet logs and electronic communications.
• Assisted with the examination of digital communications and internet-based material to support suspect profiling.
• Applied OSINT tools and techniques to gather intelligence for cybercrime-related matters, including social media research.
• Liaised with the central domain registry and external stakeholders on suspected fraudulent online activity and domain fraud.
• Reviewed CCTV footage for commercial crime cases and assessed its evidentiary value.
• Gained hands-on exposure to SAPS administrative processes and the Crime Administration System (CAS) for docket registration and tracking.
• Applied chain-of-custody principles when handling dockets and evidence to preserve exhibit integrity.
• Prepared investigation reports and presentations for senior investigators and commanding officers, and supported prosecutor consultations and court documentation.
• Contributed to the successful registration and progression of multiple commercial crime dockets during the internship.

Short Learning Programme in Digital Forensics – University of Johannesburg (2026)

Certificate in Anti-Corruption and Commercial Crime Investigations – UNISA (2019)

National Diploma in Criminal Justice – Lyceum College (2018)

National Senior Certificate in Matric – Makgoka High School (2014)