Mpumalanga – Thato Charmain Philane (30) appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 08 December 2020 after she was arrested on the same day for alleged fraud, theft and alternatively contravening the provisions of the Tax Administration Act.
The accused is the daughter of Sipho Andrew Philane (58) who appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s for alleged fraud and theft on Friday, 4 December 2020.
Charmai Philane was arrested by the Hawks`Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Tuesday, 08 December 2020 and investigation revealed that the suspect was the sole director of the company called Sipho Zethu Trading CC.
It is alleged that in April 2017, both father and daughter colluded with another to register a company to claim undue funds through misrepresentation, defrauding and prejudicing the South African Revenue Service the amount of R995 370.56. Transfers were made from Sipho Zethu Trading CC`s bank account into Philane’s personal bank account.
Charmain Philane was released on bail to the amount of R5000 and the case was postponed to 14 December 2020 for Specialised Prosecutor and have her appearing with her father.
Port Elizabeth – A 43-year-old man, wanted for fraud and forgery in Midrand since 2013, was arrested in Port Elizabeth after he allegedly defrauded a guesthouse owner in Milpark in November 2020.
It is alleged that on 22 November 2020, Daniele Olivier and his fiancé (31) booked into the guesthouse in Milpark. He paid for the first night through bookings.com however the following day, he requested from the owner to stay a further four nights. He allegedly produced a fake EFT payment and when the money never cleared in the bank, the owner approached him. He provided an unacceptable explanation and on 25 November 2020 and they were subsequently kicked out.
They then booked into another guesthouse in Mount Pleasant, paid for the first night and was again kicked out the following day.
The owner of the Milpark guesthouse opened a case of fraud at SAPS Mount Road. On 3 December 2020, the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Errol Whittal succeeded in tracing the couple at another guesthouse in Walmer.
He was arrested and charged for fraud. He appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 4 December 2020. He has been remanded in custody for further investigation.
Police is appealing to anyone who may have fallen victim to Olivier’s scams, to contact Detective Warrant Officer Whittal at SAPS Mount Road on 041 394 6245
North West – Isak Snyman (46) was sentenced on Tuesday, 08 December 2020 before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria for theft of trust funds.
The accused, who is an attorney, was hired in 2010 in Brits to purchase and register properties on behalf of the clients. Approximately R4 million was deposited into his trust account thereafter. Instead of purchasing the properties, the accused misappropriated the funds.
The matter was reported to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and thorough investigations were conducted resulting in the suspect being summoned to court.
Snyman pleaded guilty and he was sentenced to 10 years wholly suspended for a period of 5 years on condition that he repay the funds back in R50 000 monthly instalments until the balance is paid in full.
Eastern Cape- A 35-year-old suspect was arrested by the Hawk’s Serious Corruption Crime Investigation Unit in East London at her residence last night, 08 December 2020 and she is set to appear in East London Court this morning, 09 December 2020 on allegations of fraud and corruption.
It is alleged that during 13 March 2015, the suspect reported a case at Chaluma Police Station about an accident that allegedly occurred on 04 July 2012. Intelligence information indicated that the suspect submitted false fraudulent claims for Road Accident Fund (RAF).
The Hawks’ preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly sustained her injuries while she was walking with her boyfriend. She is said to have fallen and broke her leg then only taken to hospital for medical attention later. Furthermore, the suspect did not open a case or report any accident until 13 March 2015.
It is alleged that a local Attorney represented the suspect when she was submitting the claims at the (RAF). According to the Hawk’s investigation it is alleged after the claim was approved, it was deposited into the Attorney’s account. Further investigation also showed that the alleged fraudulent claim would have prejudiced RAF a potential loss of R 1 707 403.50;
