Johannesburg – Only one of the 14 suspects arrested in connection with R157 million fraud at Nedbank remains behind bars – the rest have been granted bail.
The suspects, including two former Nedbank employees – Nicolette de Villiers and Keitumetse Mathimbi, were arrested on Tuesday, (29 October 2024), in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni by the Hawks on allegations of fraud and money laundering.
RELATED: Nedbank R157 Million Fraud: 14 Suspects Arrested By The Hawks To Appear In Court – The Bulrushes
All the suspects made their first appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, (30 October 2024).
The accused named below were granted bail as follows:
1. Samantha Lee (40) JHB R10 000
2. Jacobus Nel (39) PTA R5 000
3. Miquite Nel (39) PTA R5 000
4. Dillin Hoffman (33) PTA R15 000
5. Jacobus Joubert (29) PTA R5 000
6. Nicollette de Villiers (38) JHB R20 000
7. Michelle Buys (36) JHB R5 000
8. Mariska O’Connor (41) RDRT R10 000
9. Andy O’Connor (47) RDRT R10 000
10. Yu-Wei Fang (51) Remanded in Custody
11. Leane Botha (25) PTA R2 000
12. Christiaan Venter (39) PTA R5 000
13. Keitumetse Mathimbi (39) RDRT R20 000
14. Segametsi Songwana (37) PTA R5 000
Accused No 10, Yu-Wei Fang’s bail application will be heard on the 7 November 2024 in the same court, he was remanded in custody.
The other 13 accused will appear again on 29 January 2025 for additional accused, and docket disclosure.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said at least 23 recipients of the stolen money have been identified including 15 individuals, seven entities and six banks.
