On June 28, the Hawk’s Serious Commercial Crime
Investigation ensured that the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court
convicted and sentenced Florika Shenay Owusu (29) and Abongile Tyusha (28) for
charges of fraud and money laundering at a bank in Humansdorp.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe
Mhlakuvana, from November 14, 2019, to June 30, 2021, Owusu and Tyusha were
employed as bank consultants at an Absa branch based in Humansdorp.
He said among their duties were to issue clients with bank
cards and assist them with bank inquiries.
“The information exposed that both accused fraudulently
opened bank accounts to transfer cash from various clients’ dormant bank
accounts into their fraudulent account,” said Mhlakuvana.
Furthermore, he said the accused reportedly withdrew cash
which was fraudulently transferred to various areas in Hankey and surroundings.
“The transactions were made in tranches and as a result, Absa
suffered a loss of over R1 million,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said further information divulged that the bank conducted
its internal audit and picked up discrepancies and the matter was reported to
the Hawks for further probe.
Mhlakuvana said the investigations by the Hawks led to the
arrest of both accused on July 27, 2022, and they made their first court
appearance the following day on July 28.
He further said they were both released on R1 000 bail each.
Mhlakuvana said they made several court appearances until
their sentencing by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on June 28.
“The duo was sentenced to undergo six years direct
imprisonment with no option of a fine,” said Mhlakuvana.
The Acting Provincial Head Brigadier Fernando Luis gave a
thumbs up to the investigating team for making sure that the accused eventually
received the sentencing they deserved.
