By REGINALD KANYANE
27 March 2025- The Mmabatho Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg, postponed the case against Benjamin Mathews Mogotsi (51) and Constance Motaung (50), to 29 May 2025, for the matter to be transferred to the Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg. The duo was arrested on Wednesday by the office of the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the accused persons are both charged with four counts of fraud. Gunya said the evidence presented in court revealed that the Mpheni Social Club was established by the employees of Rustenburg Local Municipality.
“The social club was to assist members who joined, to share the money contributed after twelve months. Mogotsi was elected as the Chairperson of the club, and Motaung as the Treasurer. Investigations revealed that between 25 and 29 November 2023, Mogotsi and Motaung withdrew funds from the club account without the permission or authority of other members, stealing over R600 000.
“In court, the state did not oppose the release of the accused on bail as they are not a flight risk. However, the state asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions. The court granted both accused a R5000 bail each with normal bail conditions,” he said.
Gunya further said both accused were ordered to hand in their passports to the investigating officer.
The Guardian 