A 32-year-old accused, Simangele Sangweni, made a brief appearance before Kimberley Magistrates’ Court earlier today, 06 August 2024 facing allegations of fraud, alternative theft, forgery and uttering as well as money laundering.
Sangweni was arrested on Monday, 05 August 2024 at New Castle, KwaZulu-Natal by members of Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
During August 2021, the accused submitted fraudulent change of banking details letter and invoices to Phokwane Municipality, Hartswater while purporting to be Vaalharts Water, a service provider of the municipality. Accused misrepresented themselves and misled the municipality into paying an amount of R455 510.51 to the business account of the accused.
Furthermore, in September 2021, the accused submitted fraudulent change of banking details letter and invoices to Frances Baard District Municipality while purporting to be Sedibeng Water, a service provider of the municipality. The municipality was misled and changed the banking details and made a payment of R469 918.16 to the accused business account.
The case is postponed to Tuesday, 13 August 2024 for formal bail application. Sangweni remains in custody.