Bogus nursing college employee sentenced for fraud in Mbombela
The 50-year-old nurse, who defrauded 17 students out of thousands, will have to adhere to several measures as part of her sentencing.
A 50-year-old nurse, Nomthandazo Matsane, was convicted of fraud and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, five of which are suspended on condition that she adheres to correctional supervision for a period of three years.
The sentence was handed down in the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday July 10.
The Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said Matsane was arrested after she had pretended to be an employee at a nursing college in KaBokweni and had been responsible for student registrations in 2016. She defrauded 17 young people of R12 500 each.
Matsane provided a bank account purporting to be of that of the college. Seventeen victims paid money into the account
“She defrauded unsuspecting, unemployed youth who submitted their application forms for registration at the college to be trained as nurses. After receiving applications, Matsane informed the victims that they have to pay an amount of R12 500 each, which was meant for registration, uniforms and accommodation. Matsane provided a bank account purporting to be of that of the college. Seventeen victims paid money into the account,” Sekgotodi said.
“This information was received by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Mbombela. During the investigation, Matsane and two accomplices were linked to the case. They were arrested and appeared in court on several occasions.”
Matsane’s correctional supervision comprises the following measures:
• She is to be under house arrest at her home in Marite for the full duration of the correctional supervision. The house arrest shall not operate during the periods reasonably required to attend work.
• Community service for a period of 16 hours per month for three years, including duties at the Mathibela Traditional Authority.
• To participate in the programmes determined by the supervision committee.
• To pay compensation of R99 300 to the State by monthly instalments of R3 000. The Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court clerk will receive all payments made and will contact the 17 victims for payment accordingly.
The case against the other two accused was postponed to August 13.
