Three loan sharks sentenced in Mbombela
The men were arrested in May during a search-and-seizure operation led by the Mpumalanga Hawks.
Three loan sharks, Nelson Noah Ntimane (30), Bongani Bonginkosi Mhlanga (42), and Rabbi Vusi Maphosa (52), pleaded guilty and were sentenced by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 11.
The three operated cash loan businesses not registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and retained bank and South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant cards of borrowers to secure payments.
They were arrested during a search-and-seizure operation conducted by the Mpumalanga Hawks, members of the NCR, Sassa and the National Prosecuting Authority in the Mbombela central business district on May 21.
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They received prison sentences with alternatives to pay fines. Ntimane was sentenced to 18 months in prison or a fine of R10 000.
Mhlanga received 12 months in prison or a fine of R8 000.
Maphosa was sentenced to 24 months in prison or a fine of R24 000, of which R18 000 or 18 months were suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted on charges of contravening the provisions of Section 90 (2) and Section 133 of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 during the period of suspension.
The head of the Mpumalanga Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, has warned the public to not make use of loan sharks and unregistered cash loaners.
“The public is also advised not to provide or submit personal bank cards, identity documents or Sassa cards to any cash loaners for securing payment. The public must be aware that Sassa cards are state property,” he said.
