3 Mozambicans to be deported after committing fraud at busy Mpumalanga toll gate

The Low’s Creek Periodical Court in Barberton yesterday found Samuel Mashava (28), Manuel Mathonzi (22) and Bernarto Mashava (22), all Mozambican nationals, guilty for fraud and contravening the provisions of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

The provincial Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said the three were arrested during an undercover operation conducted on the N4 next to the Nkomazi Toll Gate on April 24.

“We received information regarding suspects who were using stolen or counterfeit bank cards to assist truck and motor vehicle drivers by swiping their credit cards in exchange for cash to access the toll gate. The Mpumalanga Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, as well as FNB and Nedbank’s forensic investigators, followed up the information and the suspects were apprehended,” she said.

Sekgotodi said they did not have passports or permits to be in the country. The FNB and Nedbank credit cards were found in their possession, which had been reported stolen.

They were charged, detained and appeared in court on several occasions until they were sentenced yesterday.

Mathonzi was found in possession of stolen credit cards prejudicing and causing an actual loss of R2 617. He was found guilty in terms of Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and sentenced, on one count, to a R2 000 fine or three months’ imprisonment, and on the other count, a R1 000 fine or three months’ imprisonment.

Bernarto was also found in possession of stolen credit cards, prejudicing and causing an actual loss to the amount of R5 118. He pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and was sentenced one one count to a R3 000 fine or six months’ imprisonment, and on the other count to a fine of R1 000 or three months’ imprisonment.

Samuel was also found in possession of stolen credit cards, prejudicing and causing an actual loss to the amount of R1 945. He pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and was sentenced on one count to a fine of R2 000 or six months’ imprisonment, and on the other count, to a fine of R1 000 or three months’ imprisonment.

All three men will be deported to Mozambique.