Osonga Cherif Owonga (28) Mendi Bizanjoo (43) and Phatshimo Molly Korsah (46) appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrates’ Court for alleged fraud, theft and money laundering.
It is alleged that in October 2022, the accused, along with five other suspects who are still at large, intercepted an email communication between a Zimbabwean-based company and South African-based company. The accused allegedly altered the South African-based company’s bank account number and used theirs.
Reports indicate that an amount of R24-million which was intended for a South African-based company was paid into one of the suspects’ bank account. The money was later transferred into different bank accounts belonging to some of the accused.
Following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued against the accused and executed on Tuesday, 19 December 2023. The suspects were arrested in Kempton Park and Mahikeng.
The three accused have been remanded in custody and will appear in the same court on 27 December2023 for formal bail application. North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho together with the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team for successfully apprehending and bringing the suspects before court.
