MBOMBELA – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) seeks assistance from members of the public who might have knowledge of the whereabouts of Cannon Mohammed Phiri (35) and Sandile Mashazi (35), who are sought on two unrelated fraud cases.
It is alleged that in June 2015, a victim was deceitfully made to pay half of R524 000 as capital for operating costs of a non-existent multimillion rand tender to supply water pipes to the Polokwane Municipality.
Phiri reportedly disappeared soon after receiving the money and a warrant for his arrest was issued on September 9.
Meanwhile, on the matter implicating Mashazi, in May 2018, it is alleged that he as well as Johannes Mahlangu (38) and Aaron Mokoena (40) were arrested after they allegedly stole a victim’s bank card at Leslie ATM in Mpumalanga while she was withdrawing money.
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The suspects later withdrew R5 000 from the victim’s account. They were traced and arrested by the local detectives and subsequently appeared in court where they were released on R3 000 bail each. The matter was later withdrawn.
In July 2018, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit was enlisted to conduct further investigation, and on August 23, 2018, the accused were summoned to appear in court where only Mahlangu and Mokoena attended.
A warrant of arrest was issued for Mashazi in June 2019, by the Evander Magistrate’s Court for contempt of court, while the pair continued to attend their scheduled court dates while they are out on warning.
Anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of Mashazi is urged to contact the investigating officer WO Ignis Lombard on 082 521 3225 or Capt Sipho Nyathikazi on 0824158114.