By Kopano Dibakwane
Nine suspects, who are accused of fraud, possession of cloned and stolen bank cards as well as contravening the Cyber Crime Act, were remanded in custody following their appearance at the Louw’s Creek Periodical Court on Thursday 25 April 2024.
The suspects, were reportedly arrested by the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Kaapmuiden Detectives and FNB(First National Bank) forensic investigators, on Wednesday 24 April 2024, following several complaints received from different stakeholders about suspected fraud committed around Nkomazi Toll Plaza.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, a search and seizure warrant was issued against the suspects who reportedly used stolen cards to assist motorists or trucks to pay fees at the toll gate and later received half of the fee requested for themselves.
“ unconventional methods were employed and the suspects were arrested after transactions. They were found in possession of various FNB and Nedbank debit bank cards and toll slips transacted at the toll gate. The case was postponed to Thursday 2 May 2024 for bail application. Investigation continues,” said Sekgotodi.
The suspects are identified as Bernarto Mashava(22), Oshvaldo Mashayela(25), Manual Mathonzi(22), Lourense Zitha(30), Janeiro Mabalane(41), Erick Thulani Phiri(32), Samuel Mashaba(28), Lourence Mbiza(45) and Wandile Chongo(24).
