Mthatha Hawks arrest two on charges of fraud and money laundering

The Hawks have arrested an alleged impersonator in connection with bank scam.
SWOOPING IN: The Hawks have arrested an alleged impersonator in connection with bank scam.
Image: SAPS/ FILE

The Mthatha Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit has arrested Sibusiso Mabaso, and Lethulwa Wandile Mnguni, both aged 32, on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The unit worked closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Hawks spokesperson WO Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the complainant received a call on March 11 from someone impersonating a Standard Bank employee.

The impersonator said fraudulent activities were detected on the account and offered to assist in halting these actions.

The complainant was allegedly instructed to transfer funds from a family trust account to a savings account and was provided with a one-time password (OTP) to facilitate the transaction.

“The victim reportedly complied with the instructions and switched off his cellphone for two hours as directed,” Mhlakuvana said.

“Upon reopening the phone and checking his banking app, he found himself unable to access it.”

The bank later contacted the complainant about a suspicious transaction, and he mentioned the earlier call.

However, the bank representative denied any involvement.

A comprehensive investigation by the Hawks substantiated the allegations, revealing that the complainant incurred a loss of more than R1m.

Further investigation established that the funds were allegedly transferred to a Hollywoodbets account.

The suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday and appeared in the Durban Central magistrate’s court on Thursday.

They were remanded and are expected to appear before the Mthatha specialised commercial crimes court on Monday.

Daily Dispatch 


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