| 2024/07/11 |
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Media Statement MPUMALANGA – A 30-year-old male suspect, Gift Chabalala, who was nabbed for Nomthandazo Matsane (50), was found guilty and sentenced by the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, 10 July 2024 for Fraud. During 2016, the accused, Nomthandazo Matsane pretended to be the employee of Kabokweni Nursing College, responsible for learner registrations. She recruited unsuspecting unemployed youth who submitted their application forms for registration at the college to be trained as nurses. After receiving applications, Matsane informed the victims that they have to pay an amount of R12 500 each, to the college, meant for registration, uniform and accommodation. Matsane provided bank account allegedly to be of the college, whereby money should be paid into. A total of 17 victims paid money into the account and waited for feedback. Information was received by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit regarding the alleged fraud. The team of investigators were tasked to look into the matter. During investigation Matsane and her two accomplices were linked to the case. Investigation was finalised and warrant of arrest was authorised and executed. Accused were arrested and charged for fraud. They were release on bail and attended court proceedings on several occasions. The case against the other two accused was postponed to 13 August 2024 for trial at the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crime Court. Matsane was found guilty and sentenced on Wednesday, 10 July 2024 as follows: Eight years’ imprisonment which is suspended for a period of five years’ on condition that:- The accused submits herself to correctional supervision for a period of three years’. The correctional supervision shall comprise of the following measures: House arrest at her home at Marite Trust for the full duration of the correctional supervision, provided that the house arrest shall not operate during the periods reasonably required for attending to work Community service for a period of 16 hours per month for a total period of 3 years’ which shall comprises of duties at Matibela Traditional authority To participate in the programs determined by the Supervision Committee, under the Supervision of the Supervision Committee. To pay compensation to the amount of R99 300.00 to the state of R3000.00 monthly instalment. The clerk of the court Mbombela to receive all payments made until the full amount has been received, thereafter the clerk of the court must contact the 17 beneficiaries and pay them accordingly. The Provincial Head Major General Gerber applauded the investigative team comprising of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and National together with Prosecution Authority for the stunning work done. He further appreciated the good Samaritans who reported the matter to the Hawks. The General assured the public that “As the Hawks we are determined to investigate all cases within our mandate without fear or favour. He advised the public to refrain from paying money for government jobs advertised on social media and also not to buy or pay properties like houses or cars advertised on social media. He concluded by requesting the public to provide information which will lead to the arrest of all criminals within our communities. He concluded”. Ends
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