MPUMALANGA -Sfiso Johannes Khumalo (40) was remanded in custody by the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Tuesday 02 March 2021 after he was arrested by members of Mpumalanga Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Monday 01 March 2021 assisted by members of Crime Intelligence after he was published as wanted on the media on 06 October 2020 for RDP houses fraud.
The arrest followed the warrant of arrest issued against him after he was warned to appear before the Middelburg Court on the 24 July 2020 and he did not honour the order and absconded and warrant of arrest issued against him by the Court. It is alleged that in October 2018, Sylvia Nyandeni (43) an employee of Steve Tshwete Municipality allegedly colluded with Khumalo to defraud applicants of RDP houses in Middelburg. Nyandeni misrepresented herself as having the authority to receive money from the destitute applicants. The defrauded victims were given a bank account of Khumalo to deposit the funds which amounted to just over R700 000.
The pair reportedly shared the proceeds afterwards. Nyandeni and Khumalo were summoned to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 24 July 2020, however only Nyandeni managed to honour the court appearance whilst Khumalo sent a sick note stating he was not feeling well. The court ordered that Khumalo appear alongside Nyandeni on the follow-up date which was scheduled for 20 August 2020, he was informed accordingly but he once again absconded.
The court consequently issued a warrant of arrest against Khumalo and he was eventually arrested by members of Mpumalanga Crime Intelligent during their intelligence driven operation. The Provincial Head For the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the work done by the team of law enforcements agencies . Major General Mokoena is advancing members of the communities to continue reporting such types of incidents to the investigating officer Sergeant Amos Mahlangu on 071 481 3069 or contact Crime stop 0860 010111 or by sending a tip off via MySAPSApp. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
The case against the suspect is postponed to 30 March to join the first accused.
