Case Of Fraud And Money Laundering Withdrawn Against The Deceased Absa Engineer
The case against a specialist engineer Xolela Masebeni (30), was withdrawn after a death certificate was presented in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court (SCCC) earlier today. Masebeni was allegedly gunned down two weeks ago while sitting at home with friends. Masebeni's girlfriend, Athembile Mpani (20), together with Gershom Matomane (29), who was added to the charge sheet today, are the remaining accused in the matter.
They are facing charges of fraud and money laundering, following allegations of defrauding ABSA Bank R103 million between September to December 2021. It is alleged that a sum of R59 million was deposited into Matomane's bank account. He is currently out on R30000 bail granted, by the Bellville Magistrates' Court for the case before the Palm Ridge SCCC. Matomane has a pending case in Bellville, for allegedly defrauding Capitec Bank, together with five other persons’ money to the tune of R3,4 million.
The alleged fraudulent transactions were uncovered by ABSA’s Forensic Division, and they reported the matter to the law enforcement authorities. Their investigation alleges that Masebeni accessed a Meridian system to debit the corporate business account. He was arrested by the Hawks in Queenstown on 19 January 2022 and appeared in the Queenstown Magistrates’ Court the next day. The case was then transferred to Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court as the alleged crime happened in Sandton, an area within the court’s jurisdiction.
The State has managed to recover R66 million so far and is in the process of seizing three vehicles that were allegedly purchased using the defrauded money. The case was postponed to 14 May 2022, for further investigations and more arrests are imminent.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Local Division
0626906505/0112204245