The Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team’s in-depth probing regarding a woman defrauded of a large amount of money through a bogus tender made out to be by the Free State Department of Health, has culminated in the arrest of a fourth person.
The latest arrestee is Phillemon Ramononyane Makhale (45), who was expected to reappear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court this week facing charges of fraud and money laundering. He first appeared on 29 October, following his arrest while appearing in court for another criminal matter.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Makhale was expected to apply for bail during his appearance on Wednesday, 6 November.
The fraud-accused suspect is fingered among the three already convicted for defrauding the victim of R722 000 through various misrepresentations in the bogus tender.
Makhale’s three accomplices – Liabeng Icknatia Hoffman (46), Siza Isaac Mokwena (46) and Lehlohonolo Emmanuel Chabedi (44) – are already serving sentences following their conviction last year after the court found them guilty on similar charges.
The Hawks’ investigations revealed some of the scammers misrepresented themselves as police officers to swindle the victim.
“It is alleged that during January 2021, a suspect who introduced himself as ‘Mosia’ approached the complainant, promising her that he could arrange a tender with the Department of Health.
“The suspect demanded that 10% of the value of the tender be paid to him in advance before allocation of the tender estimated at R720 000,” said Singo.
Convinced with the prospects of the bogus tender, he said the victim then paid an amount of R72 000 to the suspect.
However, Singo said in the event of discussion the victim was caught by surprise.
“During a meeting with the suspect to discuss the contract of the tender, four suspects arrived, pretending to be police officials.
“They accused the complainant of committing corruption, and they threatened her with arrest.
“They then demanded money from the complainant to prevent them from arresting her. The complainant paid a total amount of R650 000 to them because she was afraid of being arrested. As a result of the misrepresentation, the complainant was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of R722 000,” said Singo.
According to Mojalefa Senokoatsane, acting spokesperson for the Free State National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), there is evidence Makhale benefited from the fraud.
Makhale apparently received R100 000 from the complainant in his bank account.
“Three other accused have been already prosecuted in this matter, but Makhale was untraceable at the time the other three accused were brought before the court.
“A J50 warrant was issued for his arrest and when he was apprehended, he was appearing in court on another matter in Vereeniging,” said Senokoatsane.
