Another arrest in fraud case i

Photo credit: Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Another arrest in fraud case involving Standard Bank employee

Third person arrested by Hawks in connection with alleged fraud of R1-million by an employee at the Harrismith branch.

Another arrest in fraud case i

Photo credit: Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

A third person has been detained by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) in connection with alleged fraud of R1-million perpetrated by an employee at the Standard Bank branch in Harrismith in the Free State.

Bongani Innocent Mazibuko (38), appeared briefly appeared at the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, money laundering and theft.

Accused is linked to June fraud arrests

Police say a serious commercial crime investigation has linked Mazibuko to an alleged case of fraud committed at Harrismith Standard Bank earlier this year by Hopewell Mpendula Daguma (31) and his partner Thandeka Tryphina Mlangeni (32).

It is alleged that Mlangeni, who was then an employee at the bank, cloned a bank card which she linked to a client’s account. She then transferred an amount of R1-million from the client’s account into Daguma’s account through various fraudulent transactions.

Mlangeni and Daguma were arrested on 5 June this year at their respective homes when warrants for their arrest were executed.

Charged with more than 80 counts of fraud

They were consequently charged with just over 80 counts of fraud, which includes theft and money laundering. They appeared in the Harrismith Magistrates Court and were granted R5 000 each, pending further investigation.

“The Hawks’ investigation revealed that Daguma utilised some of the money to buy a Nissan NP200 (bakkie), which he sold for R120 000 on 9 June. The proceeds of the sale were then deposited into Mazibuko’s account, who in turn allegedly withdrew it and gave it to Daguma in cash,” police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lynda Steyn said.

The initial case against Mlangeni and Daguma is scheduled to be heard in the Bethlehem Regional Court on 11 September.