LIMPOPO – Another suspect, aged 47, who is believed to be one of the masterminds in connection with theft of over R36 million belonging to the bank deceased client was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Polokwane on 13 September 2022.

The suspect, who is a foreign national businessman, handed himself over to the police accompanied by his legal representative. The first accused person to be arrested in this case was Thabiso Matenda (28) who was employed by the First National Bank (FNB) based in Makhado.

It is alleged that Matenda opened a profile of the deceased client on 25 April 2022 without any authorization and stole R36 989 052-67. The deceased, who was also a foreign national businessman based in South Africa, reportedly died in a fatal motor vehicle accident on 24 April 2022. The stolen money was transferred into the new different bank accounts that were created and it was squandered.

Two more accused persons, who are a couple, were arrested in Johannesburg on 17 July 2022 after they fought over R6 million that they had allegedly received from one of the suspects. The couple, Nomaphelo Sethi (28) and Rody Martial Nzeya (43) appeared in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court and were released on R20 000-00 bail each. Matenda was also released on R20 000-00 bail.

The suspected mastermind is expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court today where he will be facing fraud and money laundering charges.

Source: South African Police Service