NORTH WEST – Bethune Mzimba (39) appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 April 2024, facing charges of fraud and extortion.
It is alleged that in January 2024, the complainant received a call from a male person who claimed to be calling from JB Marks Local Municipality Electricity Department. The complainant was told that her company owes the municipality R4 million, and that she should pay R6000 to avoid being disconnected.
Reports indicate that the complainant paid the requested amount into the suspect’s personal bank account. When the suspect demanded more money, the complainant became suspicious and brought the matter to Hawks’ attention.
Investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that the suspect was not an employee at JB Marks Local Municipality. Following an investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued against the suspect. He was subsequently arrested on Friday, 27 April 2024, in White River – Mpumalanga.
The accused was remanded in custody, and his matter was postponed to 03 May 2024 for bail application.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=52904.