The Gqeberha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks combined with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) ensured that Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Florika Shenay Owusu (29) and Abongile Tyusha (28) on October 6, for charges of fraud and money laundering which happened while they were working as employees at an Absa branch in Patensie in the Kouga region.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, from November 14, 2019, to June 30, 2021, Owusu and Tyusha were employed as consultants at an Absa branch based in Patensie.
Mhlakuvana said amongst their duties were to issue clients with bank cards and assist them with bank enquiries.
“The information exposed that both accused fraudulently opened bank accounts with the aim of transferring cash from various clients’ dormant bank accounts into their fraudulent account,” said Mhlakuvana.
Furthermore, Mhlakuvana said that the accused reportedly withdrew cash that was transferred fraudulently in various areas of Hankey and surroundings for their personal benefit.
“The transactions were made in tranches as a result Absa suffered a loss of over R1 million,” said Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said that the information further divulged that the bank conducted its internal audit and picked up red flags and then the matter was reported to the Hawks for probing.
“The investigation by the team of the Hawks led to the arrest of both accused on July 27, 2022, and they made their first court appearance on July 28, 2023. The duo was later released on R1 000 bail each,” said Mhlakuvana.
The matter has been remanded to March 5, 2024, for sentencing.
