The Mthatha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks collectively with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the South African Post Office (SAPO) ensured that the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted and sentenced former Post Office branch manager, Nonthuthuko Mfengwana (62) for charges of theft on September 14.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, in 2011, as a Post Office branch manager based in Mqanduli, Mfengwana reportedly defrauded the entity by manipulating the Post Office point sales system that she banked the entity’s money but the deposits never reflected in the Post Office bank account.
“Mfengwana made eight transactions of which the money she received in tranches resulted in the Post Office being prejudiced of an amount of R593 000,” said Mhlakuvana.
“The internal auditing was conducted and picked up some discrepancies then the matter was reported to the Hawks for more investigation.”
“The investigation revealed that Mfengwana admitted that she misappropriated the Post Office funds for personal gain.”
Mhlakuvana said that on April 11, 2011, Mfengwana was arrested by the Hawks and appeared on the same day at the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where she was released on R2 000 bail.
“Mfengwana made several court appearances until she was convicted and sentenced by the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on September 14, 2023,” said Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said that she was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit theft during the period of suspension.
The Provincial Head of DPCI, Major General Obed Ngwenya gave a thumbs up to the investigation team for the enormous job that led to the conviction and sentencing of the former Post Office manager.
