Orkney – Five men accused of using a banking App to defraud a Road Accident Fund (RAF) beneficiary of nearly R300 000 have been arrested and brought before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court in the North West.
The accused, 31-year-old Tehogo Kgang, 32-year-old Tebogo Chosi, 46-year-old Tlale Tshabalala, 47-year-old Lebogang Sedumedi and 51-year-old Zamile Maroti were arrested on Monday.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, the court heard that the accused defrauded the RAF beneficiary.
Narrating events leading to the massive fraud, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations – better known as the Hawks – said on 16 July 2021 the beneficiary received an RAF payout of over R800 000.
In the same month, the beneficiary was approached by persons who claimed to be employees of RAF.
They persuaded the beneficiary to install a banking app on his phone so that he could access the money paid by the RAF.
“After installing the app, the suspects allegedly transferred an amount of R290 000 from the complainant’s account into their bank accounts,” said Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula.
He said following an investigation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, a warrant of arrest was issued against the five suspects, which was executed on Monday.
“The accused have appeared in court, and their matter was postponed to 7 March 2024,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mathebula.
All the suspects were remanded in custody.
Today, Thursday, the five accused will be back in court to apply for bail.
