By OBAKENG MAJE
A woman (24) briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court for fraud and money laundering. In October 2022, Phindile Zamahlubi Hadebe and other suspects allegedly intercepted an email communication between South African and Zimbabwean companies.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said Hadebe allegedly amended the South African company’s banking details and the money was paid into another unknown account to be paid into various accounts.
“Following an investigation by the Hawks Serious Crime Investigation, eight warrants of arrest were issued. On 15 January 2024, information was received regarding the whereabouts of one of the suspects.
“A sting operation was planned between the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation teams from Klerksdorp and Mahikeng, as well as the Hawks Head Office’s Tactical Operational Management Sections (TOMS), the warrant of arrest was executed and the suspect was arrested in Johannesburg,” she said.
Hadebe appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on fraud and money laundering charges worth R24 million. Malwetse said the case was postponed to 18 January 2024.
The Guardian 