POLOKWANE – The intensive investigations by the Hawks, which led to the arrest of Isaac Maphanga (28), ensued after one of the clients reported unknown withdrawals from the account, said Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke.
“The client reported unknown withdrawals from an account and investigations revealed that the suspect and stolen R1.3 million and had deposited the money into different accounts under his name. Many of his victim’s had no idea their money had been stolen.”
Maphanga was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for each count of fraud. These sentences will run concurrently, Maluleke confirmed.
Meanwhile, another accused California Konanani, an ex-employee at a Tzaneen chain store, was also found guilty for fraud on 6 July 2017 by Tzaneen Magistrate Court.
Investigations revealed that Konanani, who worked as cashier, had embezzled the company’s money paid at the tills and from the tills by the clients. She also disconnected the data cable of the tills that she stole money from so that the transactions could not be traced. The suspect was out on ten thousand rand (R10 000) bail, said Maluleke.
“Konanani was sentenced to three years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years and was further ordered to pay R28 428.00 back to store on installments.”
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Thobeka Jozi commended the members who worked on both cases for securing these sentences.
