By REGINALD KANYANE
13 February 2025- A woman (42) briefly appeared before the Ottosdal Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud worth R2.3 million. It is alleged that, in October 2021, a woman (63), was approached by her friend, who recruited her to join an investment scheme.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said, she allegedly took her to a traditional healer at Golf View in Mahikeng, who then advised her to resign as she was due for pension so that the ancestors could bless her. Malwetse said the complainant was allegedly provided with a bank account belonging to Makgomo Doris Ngcobo.
“The money was transferred into the said account and thereafter they all ignored her calls. The matter was referred to the Mahikeng based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling.
“Following a lengthy investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued for Ngcobo and her husband, Mcbeth Ngcobo (49), however, Doris could not attend court as she was already in custody on a separate fraud case,” she said.
Malwetse further said Mcbeth appeared alone before court on 16 January 2025, and was released on R10 000 bail. She added on 12 February 2025, Doris was arrested at Johannesburg prison, where she is still awaiting trial.
“She appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 18 February 2025 for bail application judgement,” said Malwetse.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.
The Guardian 