Mastermind Behind theft of R36 million belonging to the FNB bank deceased client arrested

Another Limpopo suspect aged 47 who is believed to be one of the masterminds in connection with theft of over R36 million belonging to the bank deceased client was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Polokwane on 13 September 2022.

According tp spokesman for the Hawks, Matimba Maluleke, the suspect who is a foreign national businessman handed himself to the police accompanied by his legal representative. The first accused person to be arrested in this case was Thabiso Matenda (28) who was employed by the First National Bank (FNB) based in Limpopo (Makhado).

Spokesperson, Matimba Maluleke says it is alleged that Matenda opened a profile of the deceased client on 25 April 2022 without any authorization and stole R36 989 052-67.

Matimba Maluleke says the deceased who was also a foreign national businessman based in South Africa reportedly died in a fatal vehicle accident on 24 April 2022 and the the stolen money was transferred into the new different bank accounts that were created and it was squandered.

“Two more accused persons who are a couple were arrested in Johannesburg on 17 July 2022 after they fought over R6 million that they had allegedly received from one of the suspects. The couple, Nomaphelo Sethi (28) and Rody Martial Nzeya (43) appeared in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court and were released on R20 000-00 each. Matenda was also released on R20 000-00 bail”, he said.

The suspected mastermind is expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 14 September 2022 where he will be facing fraud and money laundering charges.