KWAZULU-NATAL – Twelve accused appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Court for fraud following their arrest in various provinces by the KwaZulu-Natal and National Hawks Banking members during an intensive between 19 – 23 February 2018.
The suspects, Abel Masokome (49), Tonano Mabena (63), Christinah Maubane (27), Patrick Masuku (27), Ngwato Ramotsha (20), Hleziphi Nkosi (26), Patricia Molewa (30), Phiwe Nakedi (47), Linda Zwane (41), Malesela Tefu (29), Laurentia Simelane (38) and Magdeline Mojapelo (26) are allegedly part of a nationwide syndicate that defrauded victims using internet banking wherein a sim card swap is done on behalf of unsuspecting victims.
The victim in one of these apparent illegal transactions, alleged that during March 2016 he noticed that his cell phone had no network service. He then enquired with the service provider and it was established that a sim swap was done in his number without his knowledge and almost R800 000 was transferred out of his bank account to various accounts.
The accused appeared in court on 21 February 2018. They were granted bail ranging from R500.00 to R1000.00. The case has been transferred to the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court to be heard on 19 March 2018.
