The case regarding the theft of half a million rand against an SBV Services employee is set to continue in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 15 January. The matter against the suspect, Lehlohonolo Rankuoatsana (39), was postponed to the new date on his second court appearance on 6 December.
He first appeared on 30 November. The matter is a result of probing that involved the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit after various banks discovered discrepancies in their ATMs.
Lt. Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Rankuoatsana was released on a warning to reappear in the same court on the given date.
Mohobeleli said Rankuoatsana stands accused of the alleged theft of R570 000 which was meant to be loaded at the ATMs of various banks in Bloemfontein. He said the alleged crime was committed in June last year.
“It is alleged that during the period between 26 June and 15 July 2022, Rankuoatsana was responsible for dispensing money to different ATMs on behalf of SBV. Days later, he reported off-sick from work. During his absence cash shortages were identified. Several banks which are clients of SBV reported that their cash machines were running short of money under mysterious circumstances,” said Mohobeleli.
Following the reports by the bank, an internal investigation involving the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit was conducted.
“Evidence gathered against the suspect led to a warrant for his arrested issued, and ultimate appearance in court,” said Mohobeleli.
