Thato Hangari (26) was sentenced to five years suspended for three years at the Mahikeng Regional Court yesterday, after pleading guilty to charges of fraud.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Capt. Hlangelani Rikhotso, the accused admitted that in 2016 he contacted several high profile individuals to solicit money from them under false pretence.

‘While pretending to be the North West Premier Supra Mahomapelo, the accused defrauded the Head of security at the North West legislature of R3500 and continued to try his luck with more individuals.

‘On 24 December 2016, the Hawks arrested the accused in Kuruman and he appeared at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court on 4 January 2017 where he was released on R1000 bail. He made a series of court appearances until ultimately being sentenced yesterday,’reported Rikhotso.

The provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – Major General Linda Mbana welcomed the sentence and warned that perpetrators of fraud will be brought to book.

Premier Supra Mahumapelo has welcomed the sentence and has reiterated his confidence in the justice system of the country. ‘This must be a lesson to the accused that crime does not pay, I am happy that the law has taken its course,’ said Mahumapelo.