| 2024/12/06 |
|
Media Statement MPUMALANGA – Januario Mbalane and Lourence Mbiza (47), Mozambican nationals, were found guilty and sentenced by the Louw’s Greek periodical Court on Thursday, 05 December 2024, for fraud in terms of Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977. On 24 April 2024, information was received and operationalised by a team comprising of Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, FNB and Nedbank forensic investigators and State Prosecutor, Ms H Mafuyeka2, regarding suspects who were using stolen/counterfeit bank cards to assist truck and motor vehicle drivers to access the toll gate. An operation was conducted and the two Mozambican citizens, were arrested. During the search they were found in possession of FNB bank cards and toll gate payment slips. Through the misrepresentation, they prejudiced and caused an actual loss of R 3 321.00 and R 1 808.00 respectively. Investigation was finalised. The matter was postponed to 05 December 2024, for plea. During the court appearance on Thursday, 05 December 2024, Januario Mbalane pleaded guilty at the Louw’s Creek periodical court and sentenced on charges of fraud to: R 4 000.00 fine or 6 months imprisonment. Lourence Mbiza (47) was also found guilty and sentenced on charges of fraud to: R 3 000.00 fine or 6 months imprisonment. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Gerber applauded the collaboration of the team and warned the public not to support criminals by paying cash and accessing the toll gate booth through fraudulent use of stolen or cloned credit cards. The public is urged to report such occurrences to law enforcement. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |
|
|
| Additional content: |
|
